One brand FOTD- Avon

Being a make up fanatic I have tried so many brands over the years and my 'go-to' face usually consists of everything from Chanel to Collection. The reason being that what one brand does well for one type of product they may not do so well for another so I pick and chose from everywhere.

Today I'm putting Avon to the test by creating a full face look using only Avon products- including brushes! 

For base I used the Magix face Perfecter (£10.50) which creates a great base for foundation. I followed with the Ideal Flawless Invisible Coverage Foundation (£7.50) which is a medium/ full coverage. I used the shade Medium Beige which matches my skin perfectly. I would say this foundation is buildable as it isn't full coverage straight away. I applied roughly with my fingers and then used a damp Precision Make Up Sponge (£3.50). I used the Ideal Flawless Cream Concealer (£7) in Medium for under my eyes, down the nose, chin and forehead to create a highlight. The sponge blended the concealer into my foundation really well and it was flawless without any lines etc which you often find using brushes! I used the Ideal Flawless Stick Concealer (£4) to disguise any blemishes on the rest of my face.

To set my foundation I used the All Over Face Brush (£8) and the Ideal Flawless Pressed Powder in Light Medium (£5). My favourite product was the Blush and Bronze Trio (£5) which I used next. I used the powder brush and the bronze colour to contour my nose and cheekbones, the highlighter down my nose and above my cheekbones and the gorgeous blush on my cheeks! This product is so compact and is fab for traveling light. 

For brows I used the Eyebrow Duo Brush (£5) to comb my brows into shape and to add definition I used the Glimmerstick Brow Definer in Dark Brown (£3). I am not usually a fan of brow pencils as I prefer a brush and gel however I was pleasantly surprised by this pencil. Unlike others I've tried it didn't leave any harsh lines and the colour wasn't too dark or obvious. 

For eyes I used a Glimmerstick Liner in Blackest Black (£2) to line my waterline and I created a wing using the Super Extend Precise Liquid Liner (£6.50) and WOW.. I love this product! It's not too harsh at first so you can create the shape but then once you go over it again it is super black! I created a smokey, subtle cut- crease using the 8 in 1 Not So Neutral eye palette by using the lightest matte shade all over (top left), the medium matte brown colour (second from top left) as a transition shade and the darkest matte brown shade (bottom right) to create the shape. For packing on colour I used the flat Shadow brush (£5) and to blend I used the fluffier, rounder Blending brush (£5)

For lashes I used the Big and False Lash Mascara (£8.50) which again surprised me when I first tried it as it really does give the illusion of false lashes- my lashes looked fuller and longer and I have never felt a mascara has offered me that before (hence my love of lashes!). 

For lips I chose a nude matte look using a Glimmerstick lip pencil in Simply Spice (£6) and a lipstick in the shade Matte Nude (£5). 

All prices are as they currently are on the  Avon UK website where you can also search for a representative near you! x

 

The Body Shop Seaweed Range Review

If you follow me on any of my social media accounts (I'll leave my details below if you don't!) you will have seen last Sunday that I shared a 40% off voucher from The Body Shop. 

Of course I needed to buy something myself so I decided it was time to try some of the products in the Seaweed collection having been recommended so many times. I have oily skin and have been enjoying the Teatree range that The Body Shop offer in order to combat the oil however I have noticed that using teatree every day dries out my skin (which is what I wanted!) but using such harsh products makes my skin produce more oil in response. I decided that from now on I'd alternate between the Teatree and the Seaweed range.

I purchased the Deep Cleansing Facial wash (£9.50). It has a really lovely, delicate fragrance and comes in a handy squeeze tube. This product leaves your skin feeling clean and refreshed without feeling dry and squeaky (if you know what I mean!?). I have been using this morning and night on the days I don't use my teatree products and really love it. 

I also bought the Purifying Facial Cleanser (£9.50) which is okay but I find it almost impossible to use. The directions state to use your hands to apply and massage into the skin and then to use a cotton pad to remove. I just feel that the product leaves a residue on the skin. Maybe after using a few more times I will work out a better way to use this but at the moment I am not really impressed. 

The last thing I bought from this range was my favourite of them all! I chose the Matifying Day Cream (£12.00) which, although light, leaves your skin feeling hydrated. The product absorbs into the skin quickly meaning you can apply make up straight away without waiting for it to soak in. Compared to other day creams/ moisturisers I felt this kept my skin matte and reduced shine throughout the day. The only thing I will say though is that for the price you only get 50ml which is not a lot of product! 

I want to try the toner but it was out if stock. I can't wait to get my hands on it! 

Have you tried any of this range? What did you think? What should I get next?

Follow me on Instagram @leigh_mayhew or on Facebook 'Leigh Mayhew' x

Autumn Update

It seems like forever since I virtually put 'pen to paper'. It's been a hectic few months having been away in Ibiza which meant that anything productive was completly impossible for good while afterwards and work has been absolutely manic as well as other every-day issues we all experience from time to time. But now with summer a distant memory I am hoping I can get back into my normal routine and by that I hope to be blogging weekly again. 

I have been inspired by the new weather recently and with this I decided to organise my wardrobe and store away anything summer related until next year. Going through my wardrobe I realised just how many clothes I had. After sorting through my collection 4 bags of unwanted clothes made their way to my local charitable recycling centre and I vowed that instead of buying a whole new wardrobe, which I tend to do most new season, I would use clothes that I have already and buy a few new key pieces in order to mix and match new and old favourites. 

Every autumn outfit begins with the perfect pair of jeans for me and although the flares seem to be making a comeback with the 70s trend I definitely am a 'skinnies' girls. I try to have one 'good' pair of black and one pair of blue jeans at all times and my favourites are usually the Molly jeans from River Island (a high waist skinny with sketch) however, I recently purchased a pair of jeans from F+F at Tesco and even at a snippet of the price they are almost exactly the same. I've selected a few of my favourites below that you may use as a key staple in your Autumn/ Winter outfit:

River Island Molly jegging- £40

F+F Super Skinny Stretch jeans- £14

           

Topshop ripped Joni jeans- £38

Fashion during the colder months for me is all about texture. I enjoy creating texture using mostly faux leather, suede and faux fur. Everything from a leather jacket to a faux fur detailing on handbag creates a texture element to an outfit. I have gathered a few of my favourite pieces below:

River Island leather look jacket- £65

Avon faux leather waterfall jacket- £30

Mango leather look trousers- £34.99

Missguided faux leather midi skirt- £25

Missguided Mongolian faux fur gilet- £55

ASOS longline faux fur gilet- £55

Missguided faux suede biker- £40

I have simplified my autumn winter wardrobe by keeping with a very neutral palette of black, grey, creams, browns and greens. In order to mix and match outfits I purchased basics in all of the above colours in roll neck jumpers, long and short sleeved t-shirts mostly all from Primark. By having a good variety of basics you can create new looks by just changing one element of your outfit. Everywhere from Zara to Primark seem to have a good selection of basics at the moment.

No Autumn wardrobe is complete without a couple of pairs of boots. Everything from over-the-knee to ankle boots are already available online and in store and I have selected a few of my favourites so far below:

Missguided faux suede fringed Ankle Boots- £45

Public Desire Raquel over the knee boots- £39.99

Public Desire Ferni faux suede ankle boots- £29.98

ASOS East Meets West ankle boots- £42

Let me know what you'll be wearing this Autumn/ Winter x 

Loreal Infallible 24-Hour Matte Foundation and Mattifying Primer Review

Foundation

 

Pros: 

Lasts all day

Great coverage 

Brilliant for oily skin 

Easy to blend 

Light packaging for travel

Price 

Cons: 

Very limited selection of shades 

Not suitable for dry skin 

Cheap packaging 

The first thing I noticed about this product is it's great coverage.. A little goes a very long way! The second thing was how great the foundation blended into my skin which made it look so natural. With the plastic squeeze tube you can easily control how much product is released so there is also very little waste. 

Having worn this foundation daily for the past 2 weeks I can honestly say this is the best formula for my oily skin. It literally looks flawless and even after a whole day at work it still looks perfect and that's even without powdering. This foundation is completely matte which isn't great if you like a more dewy, glowy look or if you have dry skin. 

Unfortunately the foundation only comes in a few shades which limits who can use it. I, in fact, have the darkest shade that Boots had to offer which was number 30 (Honey) which is disappointing for darker skinned girls. 

The packaging is nothing to write home about but for £7.99 I can't complain and being it is plastic there is no fear if it shattering or using up valuable luggage allowance when travelling. 

Base Primer

Pros: 

Instantly takes away shine when applied to give a great base for the foundation 

Cons: 

Difficult to apply

My first impression of this primer was that it was just another gimic and that I'd wasted my money. The reason for this is that it is so hard to apply.. I only used the smallest amount and it would not blend in to my skin for love or money! The product would sit on the skin and when I tried to blend it would all gather into little balls. However, having used this primer everyday since I have realised that the trick is not to try to blend too much and to actually let the product sit on the skin and soak in which visibly reduces any shine instantly.

I now think that this is the perfect combination when used with the matching 24 hour matte foundation. My skin has probably never looked so matte and flawless and I don't feel I look cakey at all which I often do with other foundations which claim to be mattifying. 

Let me know if you have tried this and what you think or if you have any recommendations for other products you think I would like then let me know. 

Me wearing the foundation last week.

Leigh x

Public Desire Haul

Hey lovelies, just a short post today as I felt I HAD to share these new shoe purchases with you! 

I've been drooling over Public Desire's instagram almost every day recently and decided to treat myself this week. 

I bought these suede effect caged heels called the 'Satine' in nude. They also come in pink, teal, white and black and for £29.99 I think I will be treating the other colours too! 

The second pair are the Kalia pointed patent black lace ups (£29.99). These unfortunately are not very comfortable so I will have to keep these for meals out etc rather than my dancing shoes on nights out. These are available in white but also black and nude suede! 

This is the third time I've used Public Desire and I have always found that, for the price, the quality is really good! This time, unfortunately, I paid for next day delivery but they in fact took 3 days to arrive so just a warning (they did refund me the postage). 

I've put together a list of other shoes I may have to buy next time! 

P.s Don't forget to register your details for 10% off your first purchase! Happy shopping! 

Mini airport haul

Hi guys! So unfortunately I'm now back from the sunshine in the Dominican Republic. Honestly, it was probably THE best holiday I have ever been on and I seriously have the holiday blues! Today I thought I would share with you some of my airport purchases to get you in that summer vibe even if the weather here has done so yet! 

I visited MAC and purchased two new lip pencils.. I bought Soar last year but lost it and havn't repurchased however, as it was duty free, I felt I could justify buying it again! It's a gorgeous nude colour perfect for if you want to slightly overdraw your lips al la Kylie Jenner (although we all now know the secret behind her perfect pout- shocker!). I also picked up the shade 'Fruit Cocktail' which is a bright coral/ peach colour which matches my peachy lipsticks perfectly! 

I picked up on the return flight the Victoria's Secret 'Layer and Love' set. The set includes body wash, body mist and the body lotion. I chose the coconut passion range as I am absolutely obsessed with anything that smells of coconut or reminds me of holidays! I can't wait to try all three out! I also picked one up for my friend who's birthday it is in a few weeks (hoping she doesn't read this before then!).

I also repurchased one of my all-time favourite bronzers which is the Bourjois 'Maxi Delight' in 02 for olive/tanned skin. This is the perfect bronzer- it only has a slight shimmer so is not unnatural looking whilst it still provides a subtle glow and in terms of colour it is doesn't leave you looking at all orange. The bronzer itself is huge and it lasts me over 6 months. I love it! 

What products do you like to use to get you in the summer mood? 

Leigh x

Nars All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation Review

Hi dolls, so I would feel slightly selfish if I didn't share with you the foundation I've been in love with recently. Nars All Day Luminous Weightless is the name it goes by however I'm sure you have heard about this foundation by now as it seems to be on everyone's lips. I really wanted to share my honest opinion with you and having worn for around 5 days I can tell you exactly what I think!

So Nars released this foundation only a couple of months ago and I've been dying to get my hands on it however it's been sold out in every department store I visited. Nars claim that this product is full coverage, offers 16 hours of wear and is weightless on the skin. It also comes in a wide range of shades. 

I have to admit this isn't the most full coverage of foundations I've tried. Double Wear and MAC's Studio Sculp offer a higher coverage but this is genuinely not far off! The difference with this foundation compared to the aforementioned is that this feels like you are literally wearing nothing! It doesn't feel thick or cakey and looks super natural and breathable. I can touch my face without feeling like it's rubbing off which also isn't the case with other foundations. Nars claim you need only 1 drop but I do use 2 to give me the coverage I require which is really just my preference. For a little less coverage 1 drop suffices. 

So does it really last 16 hours?... I apply this foundation first thing in the morning and it still looks just as good in the evening when I return from work. I think I start looking slightly oily around my chin after about 6 hours so I do take a pressed powder out with me. I will admit though that it seems a shame to powder this foundation because I absolutely love the finish! It's perfect for glowy summer skin but not as glowy as it's sister foundation 'Sheet Glow' which is a disaster for my oily skin. It has a satin, luminous finish so isn't great if you prefer a super matte finish however nothing a little powder won't sort out.

When it comes to the shades I was matched up to Punjab and Stromboli (for when I'm more tanned). I went for Stomboli as I am going away next week and knew I'd need something for when my skins been in the sun. It matches my skin better than any other foundation I've tried!

The packaging is one thing that lets this product down. It comes in a glass jar which is awful when travelling as it's so heavy and you only need to drop this on a hard floor and it will shatter. The lid has a velvetty finish so gets dirty very easy but one great thing about this is that it comes with a pump which is really handy as other foundations require you to buy this as an optional extra. 

At £32 this is up there with the more expensive foundations I've tried but knowing that a little goes a long way justifies the price!

Let me know if you've have tried this and what you think or if you have any recommendations for other foundations you think I need to try! 

Lee Stafford Chopstick Styler

I recently posted a picture over on my Instagram of me rocking some serious curls and a lot of you were asking how I achieved this look.

The secret is a fabulous hair tool by Lee Stafford that I picked up for an absolute bargain at only £20! I bought this little beauty at Argos having read one of my favourite blogger, Beautyandtheblog's, post on how she created this look. I didn't believe it was going to work as well as it did due to the price but I was very pleasantly surprised! The name of this is the 'chopstick styler'; it gets it's name from the thin wand thats not much thicker than an actual chopstick which allows you to have super tight curls that almost look as though they come natural!

 

I'll be honest girls, it is rather time consuming but it does depend on your hair type. Mine is long and relatively thick so this takes me around 40 minutes. I have however, recently scrunch dried the underneath section of hair (my hair naturally goes curly once scrunch dried) and focused the styler on the top section only which only takes around 20 minutes but the results aren't as good. 

The method I use is to curl 1/2cm wide peices of hair at a time and I wrap the hair around the wand and hold in place for around 10 seconds and then I unwrap my hair. Once all of my hair is curled I use a wide toothed detangling comb to break up the curls and prevent them from looking so uniform. 

Product wise I find that I need to use a fair amount of oil to prevent my hair from looking frizzy and flyaway. I also use a small amount of hairspray to keep the curls in place. l only apply oil to my mid- length and ends and only spray with a fine hairspray something like Loreal Elnette; try not to use anything too heavy or too much hairspray to avoid 'crispy' looking curls (you all know what I mean!).

 

This look can last me up to 3 days with the occasional touch up or recurl of small sections after sleeping.

Let me know what you think and whether this is something you would try too!  

March Favourites

Happy Easter! I thought as many of you will be heading out to the shops this weekend I'd share some of the products I have been loving during the month of March and you may want to try them too! 

I am trying to grow my nails at the moment and have been using the Barry M 'Base-coat and Top-coat and Nail Hardener'. I love Barry M nail products they're so affordable but brilliant quality and have a great range of shades and styles! Like most of the other products of theirs I have tried this product did not disappoint! My nails are much stronger and my polish hardly chips at all when I wear this and my nails have grown immensely! Definitely recommend- LOVE!! 

My second favourite is my 'Make Up Eraser' which my mum kindly gave me to try as it is a new product her company are selling. I was dubious because it claims to remove make up with water alone..hmm. If watched all the YouTube videos but wasn't sold on the hype however I was very pleasantly suprised as this really does work!! I use this before my cleanser to remove all of my makeup including my mascara in a few swipes and it's takes seconds! When I'm finished I rinse the cloth, use again the following day and then throw it in the wash and it's perfect again!! The cloth in itself is the softest thing I have ever felt- no lie! Every girl needs one of these in their life!! 

The third product I have been using religiously is the new 'Avon Super Extend Winged Out Mascara'. I rarely ever love a mascara as I wear false lashes however this mascara actually makes me feel confident without lashes! The mascara is great for separating and lengthening lashes however if you like volumous, clumpier lashes then this probably isn't for you! I personally love it! 

Non beauty related I have been loving watching the American Horror Story series! I literally binge watched the first series in a weekend! Now the Walking Dead has finished I have nothing else to watch so please feel free to recommend some new series' you think I'd enjoy :)!! 

I am late on the bandwagon but my friend kindly gave me her copy of 'The Secret' by Rhonda Byrne and I started reading last month. I am going away in a few weeks so am saving the rest for then but I really am enjoying reading it! I am looking for holiday reads so again pleaseee recommend some books you've enjoyed! 

Many of you will know I'm obsessed with candles and have been burning this spring/ summer scent by Yankee Candle named 'Black Coconut'. I don't believe this is new however I've never had this before which is shocking given how much I love anything coconut! This has really got me into the holiday spirit!!

Have a great Easter everyone! xxx