Collective Haul!

Hey everyone!

I've been absent from my blog for a few weeks now and I'm sorry about that but I was busy with exams and then I took a couple weeks to relax. But I'm back and I am hoping to write a few blog posts over the summer! I am going on holiday in a couple weeks so I will probably write about that when I get back. 

Anyways, I have built up quite a collection of recent purchases over the past 2 or 3 months, items that I've bought at different times including makeup, clothing and shoes so I thought I'd show you my new bits and bobs. (Get a snack, it'll be a long one) 

I'll start with makeup because that's obviously my favourite! 

So about 2 months ago I took a trip to boots, it was mainly to pick up the lash sensational mascara by maybelline which is my everyday mascara absolute favourite. However being the makeup addict that I am, I couldn't help but pick up a few extra bits. So along with my favourite mascara, I also bought the maybelline lasting drama gel eyeliner because my queen Jaclyn Hill raves about it All. The. Time and I 100% trust her opinion so I had to try it out (I already love it) and as it was 3 for 2 on maybelline, I picked up a colour tattoo in turquoise forever (or forever turquoise, I can never remember and it's not near me right now) because I love a good colourful eyemakeup look. Now because Nyx has recently hit the UK in an explosion of makeup madness and hype, I had to try one of their products. So I decided on this vivid brights eyeliner in the shade vivid blossom. I have already incorporated it into a few looks, shown on my Instagram (@its_annas_life) 

A couple weeks later I actually purchased another nyx product. This time one of their famous soft matte lip creams, in the shade Ibiza.

These last few makeup products are from this week! So firstly I got a sample of gimme brow by benefit in the new packaging which is so cute. Then I bought three products which I have been wanting for a while. The sleek cream contour kit which I've been desperate for since sleek announced its launch! I also bought the sleek highlight palette in solstice which is beautiful and so many people have been raving about it so I had to try it! Also I'm so happy because I FINALLY bought the Mary-loumanizer highlighter by the balm after wanting it for at least a year. It's beautiful! 

Now onto clothes and other items:

So firstly I bought two new tops and a skirt. 

 

The tops are both stripy because I am actually loving striped tops right now. They are also both cropped! The top one is from Zara, I love a lot of the clothes in Zara, it is fast becoming one of my favourite shops! The bottom one is from new look and I bought it because it will go with a lot of things! 

The skirt is from primark and I love it because I love a good checkered print and I wear a lot of skirts. Also next year I'm going into sixth form so I will need some more clothes as I will no longer be wearing uniform. 

Now because it's summer I needed a couple of new bikinis! This first one is from Topshop and the second one is one my mum bought me from TK Maxx I believe. I love them both and I can't wait to get some use out of them on holiday! 

The last few things are two pairs of shoes and a pair of sunglasses:

I love these trainers. They are from primark and are such good quality for the affordable price! They are a really pretty green grey colour and I really like them 

 

 

This pair were from Deichman and I think the floral print is really cute. They were also such a great price! 

My last recent purchase is this pair of aviator style sunglasses from H&M, I just think they are really classy and simple. 

Right, I told you it would be a long post! Bare in mind that this was a collective haul and not all from the same trip, I think these items were collected over a total of four seperate occasions. 

I will definitely be reviewing the sleek cream contour kit and the highlight palette (probably within the same post) comment other blog post suggestions down below! 

I hope you enjoyed this long post! It was so nice to be writing again after so long. 

Until next time

-Anna X 

Lola Makeup Products Review:

So my last few posts have also been reviews so I'm sorry for the lack of variation but I enjoy writing them. However I would love some inspiration for some different, maybe summery posts, please comment below!

Before I get straight into reviewing each product I would like to thank Lola makeup for very kindly sending me these products to try out! 

So I received three stunning single eyeshadows a pretty eyeliner pencil and a mascara! 

1. Eyeshadows 

All three of them are really pretty and also summery which is perfect! I was so happy to see the purple as it is one of my favourite colours to use on my eyes! 

The pink is a satin finish and is in the shade: The purple is a matte finish in the shade: and the light cream shade is a satin finish in the shade: 

 

 

Here are the swatches. They all have a really decent pigmentation and are very blendable! The cream is gorgeous for an inner corner or brow bone highlight and the pink and purple are perfect for stunning summery makeup looks.

2. Mascara

This is a gorgeous royal blue coloured mascara and is perfect for giving your lashes a blue tint. I love how summery all these products are!

The wand is plastic and fairly thin which means that it is good for covering all of your lashes.

3. Eyeliner

This is probably my favourite product because it is so unique and pretty. It is a gorgeous soft, creamy eyeliner pencil which also comes with a buffing sponge on the other end to blend out the eyeliner to create a more subtle look. It is a pretty aqua blue/turquoise colour and I can't wait to get some use out of it!

 

On the left is a swatch of the colour if you just draw it on normally and on the right is if you blend it out.

 

Thankyou again to Lola for all these amazing products!

 

Leave blog post suggestiond down below and thankyou for reading.

 

-Anna xx

Morphe 35k Palette Review!

I'm so excited to be writing this post. Today I will be doing a review of my brand new Morphe 35k palette, including swatches!

So I'm sure, you will have heard all about Morphe brushes and their famous 35 pan palettes. I have been waiting to get one for a while now and the only thing holding me back was the fact that I had no idea which one to get. I was considering purchasing the 35o as it is probably the most raved about in the beauty blogger world. However it is constantly sold out so after much deliberation I decided to go ahead and get the 35k. I am so glad I did.

I ordered mine from Cult Beauty and I was very impressed with how quickly it arrived (only two days after I ordered it) and it was packaged so securely!

Right now onto photos and my thoughts:

 

So firstly the packaging is generally what people like least about these palettes. I agree that they are not the prettiest but I actually think they look pretty sleek.

As you can see from the photo, this palette consist of mostly cool and warm toned brown shades with a few blue toned greys and some darker and lighter shades. There are 16 true matte shades, about 8 shimmers, 1 with actual bigger pieces of glitter in it and 10 metallic, foil type shades.

All the shades are pigmented and buttery and although at first glance you may feel a lot of the colours are fairly similar which was also one of my reservations, but I have already found myself using most of the shades and they are all unique and so pretty. Right, now onto swatches of each row:

1.

 

First Row: (L-R) this is the least pigmented row and does not show up as well on camera... it is still one of my favourite rows.

1. This shimmery white shade makes a gorgeous brow bone or inner corner highlight.

2. Really pretty peach toned transition shade, perfect for summery looks!

3. This is really lovely shimmery pink beige colour, looks gorgeous when it catches the light.

4. A great neutral, matte transition shade.

5. A gorgeous metallic light corally beige colour for the centre of a halo eye. It would actually be a really pretty face highlight too.

6. A dusky pink transition shade which looks really good in the crease and I use it quite often in for a halo eye transition shade.

7. I love this shade. It is a warm toned, orangy brown and is so good for more warm eyeshadow looks.

 

 

 

2.

Second Row: (L-R) This row is very warm toned and made up of beautiful brown colours.

1. This metallic shade is so stunning. It is an amazing coppery brown colour and is so pigmented and creamy.

2. This is a matte, light taupe brown colour. Really pretty in the crease.

3. A more warm toned brown, this colour is needed in every collection.

4. This is like a shimmery version of the last shade, it is also slightly pinker.

5. This shadow is one of my absolute favourites, it is a beautiful reddish brown and I have used it the most out of all of the shadows.

6. This is a brown with pink shimmer in it. It reflects the light and looks really pretty.

7. This is a more cool toned brown which would actually work quite well as an eyebrow shade which I might test out at some point.

 

 

 

3.

Third Row: (L-R) This row contains slightly more cool toned shades and a few shimmery or metallic shades.
1. This is one of the most gorgeous shadows. It is a really warm, beautiful gold.
2. A deep metallic bronzy brown.
3. This rich matte brown is so pigmented and amazing for darkening the outer v.
4. This colour is a true brown and is darker in the photo than real life.
5. A really dark, cool toned brown.
6. This one is similar to the last, though slightly more warm toned.
7. This metallic shade is a brown with a slight purple hint to it.

 

4.

Fourth Row: (L-R) This row has a mix of cool and warm shades.

1. This one just reminds me of Elsa from frozen, the camera doesn't quite pick it up but its a beautiful frosty, foil blue. I'm not quite sure how to use this one yet but I really want to try a look with it, please leave suggestions down below!

2. A slightly darker simmery blue/grey shade. Really pretty winter colour.

3. A not matte but not shimmery caramel brown. It has a slight sheen to it.

4. A warm silvery metallic shade, looks gorgeous in the light.

5. A unique rose gold bronze colour. Really really pretty.

6. A matte dark grey that everyone needs.

7. A cool, coffee toned colour, great for darkening up a look.

 

 

5.

Fifth Row: (L-R) This is where all the cool tones come into play.
1. A greyish blue with a sheen that is perfect for a subtle shimmer.
2. A darkish grey with a very blue hint to it.
3. Subtle dark blue with a shimmer, perfect for a night out.
4. A very dark grey, almost black with a very slight shimmer.
5. This is my least favourite colour in the palette, only because it has chunks of glitter in it which I don't really like.
6. Simmery navy blue/black, gorgeous dark colour.
7. The classic, cool, matte black that we all need. A great end to an amazing palette.

I decided to photograph some of the more shimmery shades with flash so you can see their true beauty! They are all simply gorgeous.

 

I would really recommend this palette, and if not this one then definitely think about purchasing one of the morphe palettes. They are beautiful quality for a beautiful price.

 

I hope you enjoyed. :)

 

-Anna x

W7 Products: Review

So today I am going to be doing a review of some products W7 kindly sent me!



1. Cheeky Chaps Multi-Blush in the shade Hot Gossip:

I'm excited to use this because I have just recently started getting back into blush because I went through a phase of not really wearing it. When you swirl all the colours together it makes a gorgeous, slightly shimmery light pink shade. Perfect for everyday use! Some of the shades can be used separatly as a pretty highlighter or bronzer. The pigmentation is fairly low but this makes it easy to apply and gives a more natural glow.

2. Lashtastic Mascara:

This is probably my favourite product of the four I recieved. It is such a brilliant mascara, it contains a lot of product and the packaging is sturdy. I'm not personally keen on the yellow packaging but I can over-look that. It lengthens and thickens my lashes and makes them look really good! Slightly clumpy but I have seen a lot worse. It is a good one to add to my collection. To me the wand looks a bit like a mixture of Maybellines Rocket mascara and They're Real by Benefit (without the bristles on the end)

 

 

 

3. Making Waves Eye colour:

It's always nice to have a good neautral palette so this was lovely to see. It has all the basics, a couple of pinky shades and a cream - all good for transition shades and a really nice matte brown to darken up an eye look. The shades are all warm toned and although they aren't too pigmented they blend really nicely. The packaging again is very sturdy and I really like the design.

 

 

 

4. Tinted Kiss - tinted nourishing lip oil in the shade In The Pink

 

I love this lip product so much, it is nourishing and gives a slight pink tint to the lips. I was expecting it to be quite a greesy product given that it is a "lip oli" but it isn't greesy at all. It gives such a nice shine to the lips which makes them appear plump and the pink tint is subtle and pretty. This is a lovely lip product. Would definitely recommend.

 

 

 (I also love this applicator.)

 

So there you go, my thoughts on a few W7 products I recieved. I just want to thank W7 again!

 

My next post is probably going to be another review so I'm sorry about that if you don't like reviews but I really want to review a Stila palette.

 

That should be up soon.

 

- Anna xx

 

 

 

Aikosmetics Makeup Brushes Review!

Finally writing this post!

Today I am going to do an in depth review on the Aikosmetics makeup brushes! I have been waiting to do this review ever since I opened the box but I wanted to try them out everyday for over month so I could give you a proper and honest review. 

First things first, I received the full set for Christmas. However you can also buy the essentials set or purchase the brushes individually! 

The full set comes with 11 brushes and is packaged beautifully in a baby pink box with gold embellished writing on and a gorgeous personal note.

The personal touch makes it so special and I have kept all the packaging. :) 

Now I'll go through each of the brushes and then at the end I'll tell you which are my favourites and least favourites and why:

1. Lasting Perfection Brush

Firstly is their fluffy powder brush, it applys powder all over your face to set foundation, help mattify your skin or just give you an even complexion.

This brush is the softest brush I have ever felt, it is also really big therefore covers my face just in a couple of swishes. It picks up my powder well and feels so lovely when applying it.

2. Radiant Complexion Brush

Next is the first one their two foundation brushes. Use this brush to evenly apply foundation for a 'flawless and radiant complexion'

Although the collection comes with two foundation brushes, this brush is the one I prefer to use for my foundation. I find the curved top easier to work with, it applys my foundation well and blends completely without leaving streaks. It helps to create the perfect base for my makeup.

3. Flawless Finish Brush

Their second foundation brush. This is a flat topped buffer brush.

Although I don't use this to apply my foundation, I like to use it afterwards to make extra sure everything is completely buffed into my skin because I like to mix my foundation with a light moisturiser so it tends to take a bit more work to get rid of shininess. It is good for making sure everything is well and truly blended into your skin!

 4. Blush Brush

This is an angled brush, used to apply blush to give warmth to your cheeks.

I actually like to use this brush for contour because I have a mini MAC 116 brush which I use for my blush so I can't tell you what it is like for applying blush but it works really well for blending out contour for a natural look. The only flaw with this brush is that when I wash it, the bristles tend to spread outwards and lose the shape of the brush a bit. However I'm sure this can be fixed by drying it in a certain position.

5. Skin Luminosity Brush

This is their tapered highlighter brush, use it to sweep highlight across your cheekbones to create a gorgeous glow.

I love this highlighter brush, it is the perfect size and shape for the top of my cheekbones and distributes the product beautifully.

6. Imperfection Concealer Brush

A small brush for blending concealer to cover blemishes and dark circles.

This is probably the brush I use least OU of the collection, only because I prefer to use my finger to blend concealer. However in the last couple of days I have found this is useful to get the concealer right up below my eye and for better coverage! 

7. Perfect Brows Brush 

A minuscule angled brush great for filling in your brows or getting that perfect eyeliner

I use this for my brows every single day, it works so well and makes my brows look full and helps to create a great shape! I haven't yet tried this brush with eyeliner but considering how small and precise it is I'm sure it would work great. 

8. Colour Precision Brush 

This is the first of the four eye brushes (not including perfect brow brush) use it to apply eyeshadow evenly all over your lid. 

I use this brush with it's original purpose, to apply my base/main shadow. It works great at giving an even application. However I do sometimes find, because the brush is so smooth, the colour pay off is sometimes a little weak. This in mind, I still use and love this brush daily. 

9,10 & 11. 

(From bottom to top: Smoky Eyes Brush, Beautiful Eyes Brush and Eye Contour Brush)

These three brushes add depth and detail to your eye makeup and create the perfect look. 

Last but not least! These three are definitely some of my favourites in the collection. 

I especially love the Beautiful Eyes Brush which is an amazing fluffy blending brush, it does such a great job of blending out any harsh lines and creating a flawless finish. 

I also adore the Eye Contour Brush, this one I use to apply shadow to my crease and it is perfect as it fits so well into the crease of my eyelid. 

I use the Smoky Eyes Brush to apply a darker shadow to my outer v, it is really nice because it is small and precise and does a great job! 

There you go! A summary of all eleven brushes. I kind of gave away my favourites and least favourites whilst writing about them but here they are: I love all of them so I don't think I can pick one favourite but I love the Last Perfection Brush (powder) the Radiant Complexion Brush (foundation) Blush Brush (contour) Perfect Brows Brush and the Beautiful Eyes Brush! My least favourite would probably be the imperfection concealer brush, only because I use it least although I am growing to love it! 

I would definitely recommend these brushes. Gorgeous, amazing quality and so affordable compared to others on the market. I would say buy the whole set but they are available to buy individually! 

Hope you enjoyed this review, go check out Aikosmetics! :) 

Until next time 

-Anna X 

Birthday/Shopping Haul

Hey guys! 

So today I'm going to do a haul of things I've got recently from my birthday and shopping. Reviews of all these products will be written throughout the year when I've tried them properly! I won't show everything in this post just a few bits. 

I received quite a few Lush bits because of my Lush obsession:

1. Mask of magnaminty, Angels on bare skin and a new pot of my favourite cleanser, let the good times roll from my parents 

2. The shampoo bar montalbano from Libby 

3. Snow fairy shower jel, pink fun and the popcorn lip scrub from a group of friends 

I can't wait to try out all of these products and will definitely be doing reviews! They all smell amazing, Thankyou guys! 

Here is the makeup I either received or bought: 

Collection contour & highlight kit, Kiko cream shadow stick, Kiko eyeshadow, Mac upward lash and Mac lipstick in Brave bought by myself. 

Pauls Boutique eyebrow kit from Libby

Lola highlighter, stila lip glaze, origins mascara, maybelline lipstick and Laura Mercier lip gloss from my Aunty.

My Aunty also signed me up for birch box for the next 6 months which I was so so grateful for because I've always wanted to try a beauty subscription! 

I decided to only show you the beauty products as I thought that would be the most interesting and I didn't want to make this post too rambly or long. 

 

Leave post suggestions in the comments.

Thankyou

-Anna x