Video | Updated Evening Skincare Routine

Part two of my skincare routine; the evening! Hope it inspires you to start a skincare routine or try new brands/products. Even if you ease yourself into the routine, you will definitely notice a difference in your skin; your makeup will look 10000x better, I promise!


Watch my "Updated Evening Skincare Routine" video here!
 
 



PRODUCTS MENTIONED

Garnier Cleansing Micellar Water - http://fave.co/1Nl8bA4
The Body Shop Camomile Silky Cleansing Oil - http://fave.co/1dY6x9i
Sukin Cream Cleanser - http://fave.co/1KErvrY
Una Brennan Superfacialist Rose Hydrate Cleanser - http://fave.co/1LILPsP
Clinique Mild Clariying Lotion - http://fave.co/1H7mozQ
Sukin Hydrating Mist Toner - http://fave.co/1fgE4fE
Indeed Labs Eysilix Instant Eye Rescue Eye Cream - http://fave.co/1fgDui0
Vichy Aqualia Thermal Serum - http://fave.co/1GzaKO0
Clinique Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector (As mentioned in last week's post, I didn’t realise how expensive this product was! I found it in my staff shop for £10!) – http://fave.co/1N1xmrw
The Body Shop Vitamin E Night Cream - http://fave.co/1fgDNcL
Khiels Midnight Recovery Oil - http://fave.co/1cDQ8ac
Sarah Chapman's Intense Hydrating Booster - http://fave.co/1Nl7Tcv 


Hopefully these last two videos have informed you a bit about skincare (of the very little that I know... lol) and I encourage you to start a routine! The products you use don't have to be super expensive; I love drugstore products as much as the next person!


Make sure to follow me on Twitter and Instagram (@abbylawbeauty)to see what crap I post :)


Ciao x

Makeup | Makeup Revolution Redemption Palette - Iconic 3

Hellooo! Hope it's sunny/decent weather/not raining where you are! It's been alright in the midlands for once :)

I've been banging on about this palette for a while now, so here's a post to show you the gloriousness of it...


Makeup Revolution Redemption Palette - Iconic 3

Soooo.. This palette is supposed to be a dupe of Urban Decay's NAKED 3 Palette. On the unit it even says "DUPE!"

I've never used the Urban Decay NAKED 3 palette, so I can't comment on the likeness. What I can comment on, and I will forever more, is HOW BLOODY AMAZING THIS PALETTE IS FOR FOUR POUNDS. FOUR. POUNDS.

I'm obsessed with using this palette recently. It's in my daily routine now, even for work. You have the perfect shades to create a subtle everyday look, but you can also use the more shimmery shades to go alllll out. I use a primer underneath (either the NARS Pro Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base or Benefit's Stay Don't Stray Stay-Put Primer).

As you can tell from the last picture, I use 1st, 2nd, 5th, 6th, and 8th shade the most. I use these as "all over the lid" eyeshadows, and I would use the 11th shade a crease shade for all my looks.

I know for a fact, as soon as this palette hits pan on any of the shades, I will run and get another. In fact, I'll probably buy a back up soon, so that never has to happen... (This is how much I frickin' love this palette).

If you're young/on a budget/love makeup/a human being, I urge urge urge you to go out and grab this palette. It will complete your collection that you thought was already complete ;)



Hope you like my excitable rant about this palette, I just can't contain my love for it. I've been speaking about it on my sites for over a month now... Oops.


Make sure you follow me on Twitter and Instagram (@abbylawbeauty) and I'll see you tomorrow for a video on my YouTube channel and next week for another post!



Ciao x

 

Video | July Favourites

I'm so unprepared for this video, it hurts me to watch it. I can only apologise... Not sure what has gotten in to me!

Anyway, hope you enjoy this month's edition of favourite products!


Watch my "July Favourites" video here!
 
 



PRODUCTS MENTIONED

MAC Dazzleshadow in Boom Boom Room - http://fave.co/1LK17O9
Barry M Fine Glitter Dust in Gold Iridescent - http://fave.co/1KEqDDK
Topshop Beauty Glow in Polished - http://fave.co/1LK07cA
NARS Multiple in Orgasm - http://fave.co/1ffAd2k
Sukin Hydrating Mist Toner - http://fave.co/1fgE4fE
Sukin Cream Cleanser - http://fave.co/1KErvrY
Dr. Jart+ Most Moist Water Act Skin Mist - http://fave.co/1evZjts
Parfois Sunglasses – Can’t find my particular pair online, but looks like you can order online to deliver to the UK! - http://www.parfois.com/en/
Harry Potter books - http://fave.co/1JZxBht



Hope you enjoy the video, and as mentioned in the video, what are your thoughts on favourites videos? Are they overdone now...? Any suggestions on what could be filmed in it's place? 


Follow me on Twitter and Instagram (@abbylawbeauty) to keep updated on random crap I post!


Ciao x

Skincare | Sukin Cream Cleanser - NEW SKINCARE BRAND I LOVE!

A new, natural and ethical skincare brand is on the block and I LOVE THEM!


Sukin Cream Cleanser

First of all, this cleanser smells like Terry's Chocolate Orange. But don't be put off! It's not a sickly sweet smell, just a lovely citrus refreshing smell that wakes me up in the morning (only because it has my mouth dribbling from both corners, lets face it...)

Anyway, the creamy-ness is gorgeous to rub into my dry skin in the morning (and as a second cleanse in the evening!); it doesn't leave my skin feeling dried out and tight. This is the perfect cleanser for me right there.


Formula: A cream cleanser with natural ingredients
Application: A broad bean sized amount rubbed into dry skin
When: Both morning and evening skincare routine for the "skin" cleanse
Do I love?: Anything I would change?: I LOVE LOVE LOVE! I would love for a bigger size and I would definitely pay more for it too! So worth the money
Price: RRP £7.99 for 125ml. Found in my local TK Maxx, but they do stock this brand on Feel Unique.


I picked this up along with the Hydrating Mist Toner, which I also love love love, and when used together, they create a beautiful base for piling on my serums, creams, spf etc.

I'm totally loving this brand and I'm so tempted to blow all my money to try everything else! I wouldn't recommend this cleanser for people who suffer from spot-prone/acne skin, only because the ingredients contain citrus and essential oils and shea butters, which are known to wreak havoc on this type of skin. Otherwise, I would recommend this brand and product to anyone. I think it's an added bonus that they're a lovely, ethical brand too. I've never loved a natural skincare brand before, but things can change right?! Well the certainly have for me...


Anyone else tried anything from this brand? I'm on the brink of pressing order on a Feel Unique order with a few other products I want to try!



Make sure to follow me on Twitter and Instagram (@abbylawbeauty) to get daily updates on random crap that I like to present the world.


Ciao x

Skincare | Urban Veda Radiance Daily Face Wash

Has anyone been converted to buying a full size product from something they received in a beauty box? Read on to hear about my story...


Okay so back in February 2014, my very first Birchbox came! I was like an exciteable puppy as this is the first time I had really dabbled in beauty boxes. So, this is where my story begins. I received a sample of the Urban Veda Radiance Daily Face Wash
 

 
I started using it and loved the smell and the result I was given. So up until March 2015, I promised myself I would purchase the full size because I loved it so much. Obviously, I kept forgetting and kept purchasing other cleansers that were recommended by other bloggers.... Oops.

So, as I was mooching around my Birchbox profile in March, I realised I had racked up £20 worth of points without having to do anything apart from subscribe to Birchbox! I was so impressed and I love it when companies give something back to the customer for being loyal. So I knew I wanted the get this cleanser and the Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish (which I looooove btw). All I had to pay was £1.99 as I didn't have quite enough point, but I wasn't bothered because that's all I was paying for two cleansers!

They came in the post and actually I realised I still had to use up my existing cleansers before I could start using these. So they sat in my draw for about 1-2 months. 

Hmmmm... The Urban Veda cleanser was not as I remembered. Not sure if it was because I'm used to using particular cleansers now, but the smell wasn't the same (too sweet) and it was a foaming cleanser that stripped my skin. My memory failed me!! Safe to say, I didn't like this cleanser at all now...


Formula: A gel cleanser which foamed when applied to the skin with water
Application: A pea-sized amount rubbed into dry skin
When: Both morning and evening skincare routine for the "skin" cleanse
Do I love?: Anything I would change?: Not anymore! I would have preferred if it was just a gel cleanser (like the Oskia Renaissance Gel Cleanser) and the scent was a more refreshing scent, rather than a sickly, sweet, fruity smell
Price: RRP £11.99 for 150ml (I actually bought it for £7.99, so the price must have gone up... Hmmmmm)... 


You live and you learn, and I guess with it being over a year since I had last used it, it is easily forgotten about how a cleanser performed for my skin. Glad I didn't spend a lot on the cleanser anyway!


Anyone else tried this cleanser? I had never heard of the brand until I received the sample in my Birchbox last year. Actually, can anyone recommend any cheap, drugstore cleansers that are going to nourish my skin? I really like Una Brennan's Superfacialist Rose Hydrate Cleanser and my most recent discovery, Sukin Cream Cleanser.


Hope you enjoyed this review and I hope it has helped you understand the product a bit better. Make sure to follow/chat with my on my social pages - @abbylawbeauty.


Ciao x

Video | Mystical Makeup Look - Weddings, Festivals, Summer, Holiday

I'm probably on the beach or out to dinner as you're reading/watching this. Sorry not sorry is all I can say.
I can definitely guess that I've been wearing this makeup look all holiday too, and I think it's the perfect way to bring some sparkle into your makeup routine, without going overboard!
 


Watch my "Mystical Makeup Look " video here!
 

PRODUCTS MENTIONED
MakeUpForEver HD Foundation - http://fave.co/1JsmxxG
Sephora Mineral Powder Brush 45 - http://fave.co/1evWatO
Maybelline Eye Eraser Concealer - http://fave.co/1cdQfcg
NARS Pro Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base - http://fave.co/1KEoUOT
Real Techniques Shading Brush - http://fave.co/1KEp74C
Stila #9 All-Over Blend Brush - http://fave.co/1KEpex7 (WOW! They still make this!)
MAC 217 Brush - http://fave.co/1KEppZg
Makeup Revolution Redemption palette - Iconic 3 - http://fave.co/1H7m3gA
MAC 210 Brush - http://fave.co/1evXlJA
Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Liner - http://fave.co/1KEpCLS
Shu Uemura Eyelash Curlers - http://fave.co/1FINUfX
Clinique Lash Power Mascra - http://fave.co/1ADr6Tf
No 7 Beautiful Eyebrow Pencil - (something similar, they must have replaced it with this...) - http://fave.co/1DnNhYj
Anastasia Clear Brow Gel - http://fave.co/1JrWnuQ
Ecotools Powder/Blush Brush - http://fave.co/1GtnDsS
MakeUpForEver HD Powder - http://fave.co/1evXAo6
MaxFactor Creme Puff Blush in Nude Mauve 10 - http://fave.co/1FSFXVD
Topshop Glow Highlighter in Polished - http://fave.co/1KEqdNP (It did used to be a main collection product but they must have only bought it back for the 5 Years Celebration collection! Apologies!)
Barry M Fine Glitter Dust in Gold Iridescent - http://fave.co/1KEqDDK
MAC Lustre Lipstick in Plumful - http://fave.co/1MnXXk1



Hope you enjoy the video and let me know what you think by leaving a comment or tweet me @abbylawbeauty!


Ciao x

Skincare | Vichy Aqualia Thermal Serum

I've been trialling a new serum - my favourite kind of trialling!!! Lets see what I thought about it...


Vichy Aqualia Thermal Serum 

Fake flower lol don't judge

Formula: A liquidy translucent serum 
Application: One pump into my fingers and rub in to my face 
When: Evening skincare routine (but can be used for both morning and evening) 
Do I love?: Anything I would change: I would take out the silicone ingredient as it does give that slippy feeling when rubbing in to my face. However it does sink in quickly
Price: RRP £17 - £22 for 30ml (depending on where you buy it from)  

Hmmmm....Nothing wonderous has happened to my skin, and I still do have dry patches around my mouth and nose. I would have thought it would plump up my face and give a youthful look, but the dryness I suffer is bringing that factor down! Help me! S.O.S! I need a serum that actually works at hydrating my skin and making it soft and plump :(


Please please please, this a cry of plea! I need your recc's on some good hydrating serums that actually work! I've tried the Sarah Chapman Hydrating Booster, which worked, but again, nothing amazing... Help a sister out!

Leave your recommendations in the comments below, i'm totally up for trying anything, drugstore or high end



Thank you for reading, and I'll see you tomorrow for a video, on my channel, and next week for another blog post

 

Ciao x

Makeup | Max Factor Creme Puff Blush

I've wanted to try these blushers for so long and I was shopping the crappy little makeup market stall in my town when I spotted this particular one for £3. Nabbed it right in the bag!


Maybelline Creme Puff Blush in 10 Nude Mauve

Poor pic qual, apologies. Couldn't steady my hand when it was in macro...

So this isn't the most pigmented blush in my collection, but actually it's enough to create a lovely everyday flush. As you can see in the pictures, it's a browny-pink blush which is a baked formula (which I think comprimises on the pigmentation).
Surprisingly, it comes out a lot more rosier than I expected; I was expecting a brown shade that I could use more as a bronzer.

I do enjoy using this blush for everyday because I like to build it up a little just so you can see a little something something on my cheeks. The reason I wanted it so much is because they remind me of the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blushes, and I haven't tried these either, but oh so desparately want to!!!


How do you get along with these blushers? Do you like baked formula blushes? This is the first time I've used one and I thiiiink I like it. I think I'm a little disappointed in the pay-off, but it is buildable so I think I need to get used to this



See you tomorrow for a YouTube video!


Ciao x

Makeup | Benefit Watt's Up Highlighter

Charlotte Tilbury's Filmstar Bronze and Glow highlight powder in a cream formula? This is your answer


Benefit Watt's Up Highlighter

Look at the beautiful golden shimmery-ness! It is the most gorgeous creamy highlighter to use; I put it on the tops of my cheekbones, down the centre of my nose and on top of my cupids bow. It gives that "candlelight", lit from within look to my skin (as CT describers her Filmstar Bronze and Glow highlight powder). 
I actually got this in the Benefit beauty advent calendar from Christmas 2014. It's in a dinky tiny sample size, but it makes it perfect for using on my face as it's the perfect size; it's not too big for the different areas of my face.

The full size is £24.50 with a sponge on the other end to blend it in with. I use my fingers to blend it and it's such an effortless product to use. I would definitely be tempted to buy the full size, but I think this dinky one is still going to last me a while! 


Another creamy highlight product I love to use is the Topshop Beauty Glow Pot in Polished. But this is blog post for another day!


What highlighters do you guys like to use? Highend or drugstore, I would love to see what other options there are out there. I don't think there are many highlight products in the beauty market that people talk highly of! So let me know your thoughts!



See you tomorrow for a Youtube video!


Ciao x

Video | SISTER SERIES #3 - Top Drugstore Picks

So, mine and my sister's first video talking about makeup! Believe me when I say I had to cut it down A LOT.....

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE!!
Top Drugstore Picks

PRODUCTS MENTIONED
Gi
2True Waterproof Effortless Eyeliner - http://fave.co/1Q4QJAK
L'Oreal Brow Artist Plumper - http://fave.co/1DnN2MS
Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Foundation - http://fave.co/1DnO4bB
Maybelline EyeStudio Color Tattoo 24hr Cream Gel Eyeshadow - http://fave.co/1F9AYSV
Bourjois Paris ColorBoost Lip Crayon - http://fave.co/1Q4SFt7

Abby
No 7 Beautiful Eyebrow Pencil - OMG I'VE JUST FOUND OUT THEY'VE STOPPED STOCKING IT ON BOOTS.COM!!! SEND HELP!!!!! (something similar, they must have replaced it with this... - http://fave.co/1DnNhYj)
Bourjois 123 CC Eye Cream - http://fave.co/1Q4RQjL
Maybelline EyeStudio Color Tattoo 24hr Cream Gel Eyeshadow - http://fave.co/1F9AYSV
Soap And Glory One Heck Of A Blot Powder - http://fave.co/1F9CzrW
Sleek Contour Kit - http://fave.co/1Q4SWfD


Hope you enjoy the video and see you next Sunday for a blog post!



Ciao x

Skincare | Nivea Q10 Anti-Wrinkle Energy Boost Serum

I mentioned this beauty of a product (which I won at work btw!) in my March Favourites video. So, if you wanna hear we talk about it rather than read the rest of this post, then go over to my YouTube and watch it there (don't worry, I won't judge you.. maybe a little)

Nivea Q10 Anti-Wrinkle Energy Boost Serum .. Sorry there's no link to buy, I can't find it on Boots.com!

Ignore the dry hands...

As I mentioned in my March Favourites video, I actually won this at an event at work and I was kind of drawn in to the whole she-bang because they had "Hyluronic Acid" plastered on everything. I love this ingredient in my skincare anyway because it hydrates me! Well, it hydrates my skin.. So I was intrigued as to what a drugstore brand could bring to the table.

Anyway, I ran out of my Una Brennan Vit C Serum (similar concept to this Nivea serum but with added shimmer) so I thought I would give this a go. It smoothes in and dries quickly, leaving a clean canvas for your moisturiser. However, I didn't notice anything straight away, but I did eventually notice that my skin was looking a lot more plump and I didn't have any of my weird dry patches dotted around my face - HOORAY! But nothing in the radiance/morning boost department.

Then out of the blue one day, one of my managers piped up and said,
"Your skin looks really radiant today, it looks really good!"
I was kind of was a bit skeptical because I was thinking I hadn't changed anything in my makeup routine so I just brushed it off as being oily and I needed to powder. But later on in the evening, her comment came back in to mind..... AND THEN IT CLICKED! The only thing that it could have been is this Nivea serum!!! When someone who you work with everyday notices your skin, it must be a sign!

I am seriously impressed with this serum, something I wouldn't even take a second glance at in Boots, but now it's making me come to realise that there are probably some hidden gems in there that I'm completely missing out on!



Anything I need to pick up in Boots in the skincare department? I think I need to branch out of The Body Shop a bit now ;)


See you tomorrow for a video on my YouTube channel!



Ciao x

Makeup | Favourite Bronze Creamy Eye Products

Bronze creamy eye products. My favourite lazy/stayed-in-bed-too-long products to use on my eyelids that are just sweep and go!

Here are my favourite go-tos.

Charlotte Tilbury Colour Chameleon colour-morphing eyeshadow pencil - Amber Haze
This one is the smoke-iest and darkest of the lot. If I'm channeling the sultry, sexy, smoky look for the day, this is the one. I swipe it all over my eyelid, blend in with my ring finger and hey presto! A beautiful smokey eye look in under 2 minutes! Claps all round for CT!

SMASHBOX WATERPROOF SHADOW LINER - Metallic Marble
I would say this has to be my favourite of the bunch. So pigmented and the perfect bronze eye colour that suits my skin tone! I found this at the outlet makeup shop in Bicester Village and cannot find it anywhere else. But if someone knows where to get this, then hook me up 'cause when this runs out, all hell will break loose... You've been warned!

CHANEL STYLO YEUX WATERPROOF Long Lasting Eyeliner - Or Rose
I bought this eyeliner Spring 2013 because it came out with that particular Chanel collection. AND IT IS STILL GOING STRONG! This isn't technically a bronze shade (it's actually gold... lol) but it goes with all these eye products when I wear it on my bottom waterline. It gives that golden kick every person needs in their lives. I will forever pair this with a bronze-y eye look.

CHANEL STYLO YEUX WATERPROOF Long Lasting Eyeliner - Ambre Dore
This is in the same family of eyeliners as the Or Rose shade, but this one is actually more bronze-y/orange-y. This one I will also use on my bottom waterline and it gives a deeper sultry look than Or Rose. I love it.

Maybelline EyeStudio Color Tattoo 24hr Cream Gel Eyeshadow - On And On Bronze
Ye olde faithful. The infamous Colour Tattoo's from Maybelline really do match the hype the receive! Ring finger dipped in to the pot, swept across the eye lid,  Faint from the Naked Basic's palette in the crease and that's me done for a more amped up everyday look. I love this pot and as you can see, I'm running out! Which only means that I'll be running to the store to grab some more!


What bronze-y eye product do you love that I can add to my obssession? I've had all of these for quite a while now, so I would love to find more from other brands!


See you tomorrow for a YouTube vid!


Ciao x 

Makeup | Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze and Glow - THE NEXT BEST THING

If you were expecting me to rave about the perfect bronze and highlighting palette, i.e. Charlotte Tilbury's Filmstar Bronze and Glow, then you are WRONG! (Sorry, don't mean to sound rude...) I'm gonna talk about the next best thing

Sleek Face Contour Kit - Light

This isn't an exact dupe for CT but it is bloody amazing for a drugstore product!

The bronze shade is the perfect shade for contouring; not too grey, not too orange. It adds a good depth and gives your face them cheekbones that you've been longing for. It is definitely darker in shade than CT, even in the light shade, but it isn't noticeable on the skin, especially if you blend it in good and proper! The Sleek shade has shimmer in, which suggests it can also be used at the high points of your face, but not nearly as much as CT. Saying that, I still use both for contouring my face and I love the effect.

The highlight shade is more pink-y than CT but it still looks beautiful; I use it on the tops of my cheeks, down my nose, inner corners of my eyes and on my cupids bow (basically everywhere...). I would say it's not as pigmented as CT but I guess that's the price you pay for drugstore products and I can't complain because the palette has lasted me for aaaaaaages.


Any contour and highlight products I should try out? High-end or drugstore, not too fussed! Comment below your reccs!


Ciao x

Makeup | My Favourite Eyebrow Pencil - The One No One Talks About...

Hi beautiful people

I have been wanting to write a blog post about this eyebrow pencil since I discovered it 4 years ago...

The No 7 Beautiful Eyebrow Pencil

The main reason I love this is because of the colour. It is a perfect match for me! I have black/v. dark brown hair and I do not believe in filling in my brows with a dark brown (this can look orange on me) or a pure black shade (normally looks like they're drawn on with a liquid eyeliner lol). So grey eyebrows for me it is (I mean it's not white grey - more of a dark grey/soft black).

I have fallen in love with the formula of this eyebrow pencil; it stays put all day, does not move/sweat off. Just a quick and easy product to use everyday for me. The spooly is nothing to shout about - I'll use it here and there - but generally I will use a separate spooly brush to just soften out the colour a bit.

Sometimes I will use this on it's own, but other times I will use the pencil to frame the eyebrow shape at the top of my brows and fill in the rest of my brows using an RMK Eyebrow brush and BECCA's Eyebrow Filling Powder called Ash just to "bolden" up my brows a tad.

I have tried and loved the Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz in Granite as well, and it is similar shade to this No 7 eyebrow pencil. But seeing as I can pick this up from around the corner in my local Boots store, it just makes it all that much more convenient.

At £7, who can fault me on this one? Plus you'll collect 28 Boots points as well....

What other brow products suit black haired people out there?

Ciao x

No 7 Beautiful Eyebrow Pencil

RMK Eyebrow Brush

BECCA Eyebrow Filling Powder

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz