Botanics Hydrating Eye Serum review

I recently picked up a new eye cream to replace Pai's Echium & Argan Gentle Eye Cream, which I liked but wasn't wowed by. I opted for something cheaper but still offering me hydrating and mostly natural ingredients; the Boots Botanics Hydrating Eye Serum, Tripple Age Renewal.

Disappointing Product: Topshop Smoke Stick

I love the idea of eyeshadow sticks. A quick and easy product that helps to create a one step makeup look. Build up a smokey eye in seconds. Unfortunately so many of the eyeshadow sticks or eyeshadow pencils that I've tried end up looking crease, too sheer and rough in texture on the lid.

I picked up three of the Topshop shadow sticks in a gift set and was excited to Tey out the gorgeous metallic shades. A peak nude,  a champagne shimmer and a deep chocolate bronze.

These swatch ok and are nicely pigmented. The lighter shades have a beautiful metallic shimmer while the brown is a little less shimmery but not matte.

Unfortunately when applied to the eyes these were pretty awful. While the formula is creamy enough it applied very patchy and sat on the skin rather than blending in. When blending out the product looked smudge and uneven. I can't comment on the lasting power because I haven't worn these enough to test it out.

These are issues I've had with similar product before so I'm not surprised. I think I may just be very picky with cream eyeshadow formulas, I'm looking for something smooth and blend able with an even pigment that sets down.

I love the No7 Shade and Define sticks, they're brilliantly smooth and long wearing. I would recommend those over the Topshop Smoke Sticks any day.

Topshop Smoke Sticks, £6.50

Makeup Revolution Salvation Palette Girls on Film

I have so many neutral eyeshadow palettes now, that I'm really spoilt for choice when I sit down to apply my makeup. Recently though I've really been reaching for the Makeup Revolution Girls On Film palette.

Soap and Glory Supercat Eyeliner

 

I love a felt tip liner for quick and easy liner application and this one from Soap and Glory has been my faithful friend for years now. There are a bunch of great options on the highstreet now but not all are made equal. 

Sleek I-Divine Palette in A New Day

Sleek's I-Divine makeup palletes have long been talked about and praised for their high pigmentation, beautiful colours and low price. Despite my large collection of eyeshadow palettes, I'd never got around to buying one until a recent Boots haul when I picked up two for £10. The one I'm going to talk about today is A New Day.

Collection Eyes Uncovered palette in Nude Grey

I love a good drugstore eyeshadow palette and these eyes uncovered palettes from collection are some of my favourites. I was excited to see that they've bought out some new shades recently (although I have a feeling this one was already released) which inspired me to pick up Nude Grey. 

Head over heels for taupe

Left to right H&M eyeliner in over the taupe, Pixi eye palette in rich gold shades two and four, No7 Stay Perfect shade and define stick in cool mink

In the latter half of 2015, I developed a new found love for one colour; taupe. I've had affairs with shades before; golds were a favourite for a long time and for a while I obsessed over pink tones. Recently however, I've fallen head over heels for the understated taupe. A little brown, a little silver and often with a hint of purple it's the perfect shade for your everyday look but also a wonderful candidate for a smoky eye. Taupe is your new best friend and below are a few of my favourite taupe products.

A super quick and wearable smoky eye

As the days are growing ever shorter (and colder) it's less and less tempting to get out of bed. Now I don't think that anybody should feel the need to wear makeup to work but if you do want to put something on but don't want to spare more than 5 minutes, then this long lasting smoky eye is for you.