** ATTENTION! NEW BLOG!! **

Click here for my new and exciting blog!

NYC indivudual eyes: Smokin' palette

(Available here and from Superdrug stores for £3.99)

New York Colour is a range brought over to the UK relatively recently and are good quality products at low quality prices - similar to the MUA range that is so often talked about as of late.
These palettes come in three colours - brown eyes, blue eyes and green eyes - although the only one available in my local store was the blue eyes (mine are green). The palette itself comes with a primer, illuminator and 4 colours to highlight and contour eyes. It claims to identify and highlight specific eye colours.

The palette itself comes with instructions on the back as to how to effectively create a smoky eye which is like a mini tutorial and perfect for people that aren't sure how to apply eye colour. For me though, my eyes are small so I prefer not contourign with such a dark colour and use the highlight as a base colour to blend into. This is, of course, up to the individual.

The colours themselves range from a gold to a slightly darker and more steel shade and then onto a dark gold and finally a warm brown. Unfortunately, I have a vice against glittery eyeshadows and prefer more matte colours although these are not overly glittery and add a hint of shimmer as opposed to all over.

Unfortunately, as my eyes are green, I cannot determine as to whether it intensifies eye colour although I can't imagine it does too much work on colour itself but instead the shades compliment each other. This is a gorgeous smoky eye kit that is slightly more subtle than using darker black shades. The palette is perfect for 'first time blenders' that have not worked with a full kit before and, considering the price tag, it's a good little find!

MUA eyebrow pencil - brunette

(Available online or from Superdrug stores for £1)

 

I'll admit it, I never used to be an 'eyebrow' fan. With such light eyebrows I used to completely ignore them and let them grow and occasionally (beauty error) shave them! Now, I can safely say I use tweezers and pencil them in with the rest of my other make-up. It's safe to say that eyebrows well and truly frame the face.

 

I purchased this MUA brush online as I loved the idea of having soft bristles to shape at one end with a pencil at the other end. In all honesty I should probably have purchased the blonde shade but I prefer a striking looking eyebrow.

 

 

The brush, as shown above, has smooth bristles so that it doesn't tug on eyebrows but gently shapes them into place. The only issue I've found with this is that it doesn't shape my 'brows as nicely as I'd like and they need some extra tweaking to keep them in place.

 

 

The pencil itself is faultless - with a soft texture it doesn't drag on the eyebrow too much but just darkens them nicely. It allows to build up the eyebrow with precision and without making too dramatic look (I'm not one for a Scouse 'brow)! And it's a complete steal at just £1. This is something I'd repurchase over again and have no doubts about the quality of the product.

MUA Lipstick - shade 15 (Juicy)

(available online and in Superdrug stores for £1)

I used to be a huge fan and advocate of MUA but recently I feel like their reputation after their recent online voucher discount fiasco has tarnished the brand slightly. Nevertheless I purchased this in a bulk online quite a while ago!

The first thing I've noticed is that they're beginning to label lipsticks more with names which makes things far easier when wanting to find the perfect one. The packaging is always very simple, yet stylish, which is something I love about MUA. It has a very sleek feel to it although the products themselves are very affordable.

There are no real claims on the website as for what is expected of the product which is a little disappointing - it is just reiterated that the price is only £1! The colour itself comes across as a salmon-pink with tones of peach and coral running through. To look at it can be seen to be quite shiny and potentially moisturising although, obviously, with no claims come no real expectations!

The lipstick itself applies smoothly and easily and it comes out slightly lighter on the lips than expected. With the wrong colour foundation it can clash slightly and look too pale which isn't ideal for me as I prefer definite pinks as opposed to this which I'd say is more of a peach.
It has an average staying power of 1 - 3 hours depending on activity (i.e drinking/eating) which is good given the costing. The formula itself though dries rather 'cakey' and feels like it clings to my lips. Before application it would probably be advised to buff lips or use a gloss to avoid this.

Overall this is a decent product although some aspects to reflect the price.

Update-stagram

Hi guys! 

Just to let you know I've got some blog posts on the way and as well as reviews I've given my hand at outfit posts - eep! Hopefully you'll catch them at some point. Until then here's my busy month so far...

got a hair chop (subsequently after I moved it back to a side fringe) | long journey back to pompey | back in my uni bed after xmas! tip: clean your room before you get back

for anyone that knows that i can't cook - times are changing! | my staple juice | treaaats!

i've also been out and drinking (ofc) back at uni. though i've been sensible and i'm doing work pretty much every day. i've got a 15 minute tv show and a 10 minute one soon as well as making a film, doing a promo video and lots and lots of other work!

Instagram: The University Edition

So, as I'm sure you guys are aware - I've just finished my first term at university and I'm absolutely loving it! I've been so busy I haven't had time to fully update so here you go with what I've been missing you out on lately. Hope you're all well.

longest coach trip to uni | my notice board | all day brunch was seriously needed | 21st card from my best babe

freshly made bed | my favourites' autobiographies | standard uni pre-drinks | hangover roastie

declan aka calvin harris | bad coursework | saviour for colds | pub quizzy

the cutest pub | the best of all the food | gold nail varnish | cute slippers were needed

last night out in portsmouth of 2012 | adopted flatties xmas dinner | alfie's face | back to the night shift!

belated 21st birthday cake | meet henry | xmas prezzies | my kindle ♥

Simple Radiance Brightening Facial Wash

(Available from Boots, Sainsburys and Superdrug from £4.75/125ml)

I received this as part of a recommendation from Simple after discussing products I may be interested in. This will not sway my judgement on the product itself.

Simple Skincare is a British brand that prides themselves on skincare products designed for even the most sensitive skin. I first came across Simple several years ago when I found their moisturiser which I have grown to love and use daily. The Simple Radiance range was recently released which is described as being 'perfect for women over the age of 25'. I'm nearing the age of 21 so this may be slightly for those more older but due to the constraints of work and late nights I definitely need something to perk up my tired looking skin so this is the perfect range for me and my current situation. 

The packaging itself is consistent with the Simple range which evokes a sense of quality but gives across the main points and remains, as the brand is defined by, Simple. I love the highlights of yellow which reflect the mango and the 'brightening' theme. 

The range all contains Mango extract to hydrate and refine the skin whilst light reflecting particles brighten the skin. I'm not usually a fan of facial washes as I find they take up a lot of time and I'm very lazy at time when it comes to my skincare routine. Simple state that this contains 'light reflecting particles to cleans and remove impurities and leave skin visibly brightened'. 

The formula itself is very light and looks almost glittery which is quite fun (perhaps this is my childish side coming out)! It's also a smooth and thin consistency which means it's easy to spread on my skin without pulling. It's also easier to lather up than other facial washes I've used in the past. I usually keep this on my skin for 1 - 3 minutes so it just sinks in and then wash it off. I've used this in tandem with the other Simple ranges to see how well they effect my skin together. 

I must say that, since using the Simple products, my skin has looked a lot softer, brighter and younger and I'm really impressed with this range. As shown below it sinks in nicely and looks slightly like a moisturiser and feels quite cooling and fresh. I'm even more of a backer of products catered for sensitive skin after using Simple because of the amount of care they take with their products. After leaving some face masks and washes on they've started tingling which has caused my skin to break out in some sort of red rash. I'm really happy with these products and will continue using them!

Insta-sorta-week #2

So this is sort of an odd one.. I can't actually upload things to Instagram anymore as I don't actually have Wifi but Instaweek fits so I'm going to leave it as that. These are all pictures of my last few days in Essex.

I'll be posting more frequently soon including my opinion on the X Factor & university! Hope you're well!

Instagram: raechellexo

my favourite panini lunch with holly || last few work shifts! || starlight express

ollie is pretty || cake made by the lovely janet || leaving gift from work <3

telly nights with levi || pedantic about facing up || the best food in the world!

surprise leaving meal with my faves! || hair chop || the worst attempt at packing ever

GONE AWOL

Just a teeny tiny note to say I'm sorry I've gone AWOL on you all but I've just started university. I should be posting again more regularly in a week or two!

P.S It's my 21st today! Yay!

Simple Radiance Brightening Eye Cream

(Available from Boots, Sainsburys and Superdrug from £7.99/15ml)

I received this as part of a recommendation from Simple after discussing products I may be interested in. This will not sway my judgement on the product itself.

Simple Skincare is a British brand that prides themselves on skincare products designed for even the most sensitive skin. I first came across Simple several years ago when I found their moisturiser which I have grown to love and use daily. The Simple Radiance range was recently released which is described as being 'perfect for women over the age of 25'. I'm nearing the age of 21 so this may be slightly for those more older but due to the constraints of work and late nights I definitely need something to perk up my tired looking skin so this is the perfect range for me and my current situation. 

The packaging itself is consistent with the Simple range which evokes a sense of quality but gives across the main points and remains, as the brand is defined by, Simple. I love the highlights of yellow which reflect the mango and the 'brightening' theme. 

The range itself all contain Mango extract to hydrate and refine the skin whilst light reflecting particles brighten the skin. I've never used an eye cream before but recently my eyes were looking quite tired after too many late nights/nights out so I thought I'd give it a go. Simple describe this product as a 'perfect blend of ingredients and light reflecting particles to help to moisturise and visibly brighten your delicate eye area'. Obviously I was slightly intrigued as to how it could brighten eyes as such as, unless it's using eye drops directly inserted into eyes, I didn't see how eyes could necessarily appear brighter.

The formula itself is white and thick in consistently but spreads out evenly, much like a gel. Obviously you have to be very careful around the eye area so I use a tiny amount and dab it on where it sinks into the skin. I can barely feel it and it doesn't appear greasy or combine with my make-up. It settles without disturbing my rather sensitive eyes.

This almost feels like a primer and using it on my eye area does indeed make my skin look fresher and perks my eyes up. I'm not entirely sure how it does this so in my eyes (ironically) it's pretty genius! It makes me look much more awake and I need to use less concealer/foundation around my eye area when I have this product on. This is definitely a winner for me and having not used eye creams before as I'm getting (slightly) older I'll be looking into them more. I'll be looking more into Simple's eye products as well.

As you can see it blends to a clear formula with a slight sheen so it doesn't disrupt or look awkward combining with other skincare routines.

P.S just a little note about packaging. How cute is this little note up the side of the box! It's always nice to see a package with lots of information and something to make you smile.