L'Oreal Rouge Caresse - Review & Swatches

One day while walking trough Boots on my lunch break I spotted a stand for these new Rouge Caresse lipstick and was intrigued as I actually hadn't seen or read anything about them online.
They were on 3 for 2 so I quickly picked the 3 shades that appealed to me the most.

These are basically L'Oreal's answer to the Revlon Lip Butters: sheer, shiny lip colour that feels light on the lips while still being moisturising, the texture is actually very similar to the Chanel Rouge Coco shine but with less pigment.
They have that typical raspberry scent that L'Oreal like to infuse all their lip products with, that I can't stand but luckily I only smell it in the tube and on the lips it's practically non existent.
I really like these and the only negative point is that they don't last very long on the lips so I constantly feel like I'm reapplying.

left to right: Aphrodite Scarlet, Cheeky Magenta, Nude Ingenue

06 Aphrodite Scarlet - a gorgeous coral/red shade that looks borderline neon in the tube but applies really sheer
07 Cheeky Magenta - a bright, blue based magenta pink that as decent pigmentation and leaves the lips with a nice stain
501 Nude Ingenue - a creamy nude beige shade with a little bit of shimmer

Did you pick up any of the new L'Oreal Rouge Caresse Lipsticks? What do you think of them?

October: The Good and The Bad

I'm sorry everyone but I haven't had much of a chance of updating my blog this month, I've been busy with work and haven't felt like doing much of anything when I get home.
At the start of October I'd put myself on a no-buy and that didn't really go to plan, I still bought new things but not as many, I am trying really hard to buy less and I've decided that I'm gonna put a lot of the stuff I don't use very often up for sale.

The Good

MAC Volcanic Ash Exfoliator and Volcanic Ash Thermal Mask - I've been using these quite a lot this month and I love how soft they make my skin feel, I love the warming effect that the mask gives.
Bare Escentuals Foundation - the only foundation I like using when my skin as broken out and since my skin as been awful the past month I've been using this every day.
Korres Monoi Bronzer - I like this bronzer more than NARS Laguna, I got the darker shade of the two and it doesn't look orange or muddy with a very subtle shimmer.
Benefit Coralista - I got this a while ago, used it a couple of times, loved it but then forgot about it. Then I was looking for a coral/gold blusher and remembered I had this and fell in love with it all over again, I've literally used it every day for the past 2 weeks.
L'Oreal Lash Serum - I'm still loving this but I only feel it adds volume and not lenght.
MAC Lipstick in Angel, Creme D'Nude and Creme Cup - I love these shades anyways but I've been wearing them non stop this month.
Lush Big Shampoo - Love the volume it gives and the fact that the shine I get from it isn't down to silicones.

The Bad

My Skin - I've broken out really badly lately and I don't know what to do to get it to calm down.
I'm now trying a Clearasil cleanser, Clean and Clear moisturiser and Sudocreme as a spot treatment, fingers crossed it will work.
Mario Badescu Drying Mask and Drying Cream - Bought these as I'd read they were good for broken out skin but they did nothing more than make it dry and give me two huge new cystic spots on my cheeks.

September: The Good and The Bad

I cannot believe September is already over and that it's only 11 week away until Christmas, time as literally flown by. I've been loving quite a lot this month and I've been enjoying wearing darker color more fitting for the Autumn.

The Good

Creme de La Mer - I know Nivea Creme supposed to be similar and they do both moisturise really well but the La Mer version as the added benefit of making my skin look radiant and fades acne scars.
Revlon Colorstay in Buff - The best drugstore foundation I've ever tried, similar to MAC Studio Fix Fluid but better cause it doesn't break me out and as a nicer smell.
MAC Eye Shadows in Satin Taupe and Shroom - When I'm pushed for time I'll use Satin Taupe all over the lid and Shroom as an highlight, it's simple but effective and the look I get the most compliments on.
L'Oreal Lash Serum - I've only been using this for just over a week and I feel my lashes are looking a little fuller, might just be my imagination tough.
Urban Decay Eye Lash Primer Potion - Hands Down the best lash primer I've ever used, it makes my lashes look longer and fuller and it doesn't dry them out.
L'oreal Voluminous Carbon Black - I wish I had discovered this sooner, this combined with the above lash primer gives the most amazing false lash effect.
Illamasqua Powder Blusher in Katie - I'm surprised how much I love this, it's a very soft pale pink and it gives me the perfect flush of color on the cheeks.
By Terry Baume De Rose - When I originally bought this I thought it was nice but too expensive however I've found myself using this over any other lip treatment and I will be re-purchasing the second it runs out.
Illamasqua Lipstick in Avenge - This is part of the new Dystopia collection and it's the brightest neon pink in existence, I absolutely adore it.
Revlon Super lustrous Lipstick in Cherries in the Snow - Fabulous pink based red that's very wearable and the lasting power is better than MAC.
Illamasqua Sheer Lipgloss in Rouse - I've been reaching for this non stop, it's perfect on it own for a sheer pink tint but it also looks amazing over pink and red lipstick.
MAC Cremesheen Glass in Partial To Pink & Petite Indulgance - I hated these glosses when they first came out but for some reason I love them now, they are light and not sticky and feel really moisturising on the lips.
Nails Inc The Hills Collection in Rodeo Drive - The most gorgeous dark teal shade that I've worn non stop for the past couple of weeks.

The Bad

Urban Decay Primer Potion - Going back to UDPP as made me realise I much prefer Too Faced Shadow Insurance as it makes eye shadow go on a lot smoother. UDPP is so drying and it makes any color you put on top of it dull and flat.
Facial Cleanser - I've got a few on the go at the moment but I'm finding them all to harsh and drying.

Latest Haul

This will be my last haul till MAC's Style Black collection which I'm super excited about.
I've put myself on Project 10 Pan but to be honest I'll be cheating if I haven't finished it in time for Style Black's release which I believe is the 1st of October, so far I've finished one product, lame I know.
I'm also thinking of doing a blog sale, I have tons of make-up (mainly MAC) which as barely been used and I'm sick of seeing it lying around, quite a bit of it is LE or hard to find, everyone let me know if you think I should.

Boots as a 3for2 deal on all of their cosmetics at the moment so I picked up a few things I had been meaning to try for a while.



Revlon Colorstay in 150 Buff, wish I had tried this sooner, fab inexpensive foundation.
L'oreal Super Liner Carbon Gloss, perfect for when your in a rush as it's easy to get a steady line.
L'oreal Voluminous Carbon Black, I actually bought 3 of these. It actually does give a false lash effect and it does it better than YSL Faux Cils.
Revlon Matte Lipstick in Pink Pout, nice matte lipstick that doesn't dry out my lips.
Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Va Va Violet, the color to be seen in this Autumn/Winter and a cheaper dupe of MAC's Faultlessly F/W.
Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Cherries In The Snow, a gorgeous red with a pink undertone, very wearable but at the same time very glamorous.
L'Oreal Renewal Lash Serum, I've only been using this for about a week and I feel my lashes look fuller already just make sure you don't get the product in your eye (like I did) cause it will sting like nothing else.



NARS Sheer Glow Foundation in Light 2 Mont Blanc, not sure I've been matched correctly with this one. I have a yellow to neutral complexion and this shade is pink based and while it looked good under the department store lights I find in natural daylight I look a little flushed.

May's The Good and The Bad

Wow a month as passed since I did my last one. All products mention have had some serious usage this month but it's not necessarily stuff I've bought new.

The Good:

MAC Cleanse Off Oil, literally melts off all traces of make-up with minimal effort.
Elemis Tri Enzyme Resurfacing Facial Wash, gives gentle daily exfoliation leaving skin smooth and glowing.
Elemis Pro Collagen Marine Cream, does wonders for my skin but I do feel I'll need to change soon as it can be a feel a little greasy when the weather is warmer and it as no SPF.
MAC Studio Fix Powder, been using this to set my liquid foundation and I love that it gives some coverage too.
Giorgio Armani Micro-Fil Loose Powder in 1, I use this on days were I want a more dewy look.
Chanel Inimitable Mascara, I like that it lenghtens and curls and It doesn't flake or smudge.
NARs Irrisistiblement Bronzer, it gives a nice realistic bronzed glow to my skin and look better with my skintone than Laguna
NARS Torrid Blush, been using this one a lot I love it for summer.
NARS Albatross Highlighter, can't live without product all year round.
YSL Pure Lipstick in #148 Tea Rose, love using this one with MAC's Pink Fish over the top.
MAC Tinted Lip Conditioner in Pink Fish, great over YSL's Tea Rose or any light pink lipstick for that matter.
Barry M Nail Paint in #304 Mint Green, just as the shade name says this is a pretty pastel mint green shade, goes on smooth and doesn't chip easily.
L'Oreal Serie Expert Vitamino Color Shampoo, slows down fading for my red hair
L'Oreal Serie Expert Vitamino Color Conditioning Mask, great cream/gel texture so it doesn't weigh down hair.
Tigi S Factor Serious Conditioner,I use this as a treatment when my hair is feeling particulary dry.
Cibu Sashini Thermal Shine Solution, fantastic multi-purpose product, smoothing fluid, thermal protectant and shine mist all in one.
Cibu Mousse Lee Foaming Volumizer, give volume and hold without drying out my damaged hair.
Batiste Dry Shampoo, refreshes you roots between shampoos so that they don't look greasy and it's only £2
Gucci Flora, my absolute perfect summer fragrance. If you love fruity florals this is a must.

The Bad:

Foundation, it's been lovely and warm over here lately and none of my foundations are wanting to stay put, even my Chanel Mat Lumiere is slipping off my face by lunch time, it's driving me mad.
Barry M Nail paint in #300 Acid Yellow, the texture is beyond bad and I can't get a smooth finish even with two coats.

Large Haul

Yes another haul, sale day at work means me spending money and I don't feel too bad as I got my staff discount on most of the stuff I bought.
I also bought some clothes but it's just basic boring stuff so I wont even bother showing it.

Lets start with the drug store stuff:



L'Oreal Telescopic Explosion Mascara: it as a little ball applicator sort of like the Givenchy one, to early to say if I like it yet as I've only used it once.
Olay Complete Care Multi-Radiance Daily Illuminating UV Fluid: love this as it's light and easily absorbed, gives a nice glow without being too shimmery and it as SPF15.
Boots Cucumber Cleansing Wipes: these were on offer two packs for £4 however I need at least 2 to remove my make up, they sting my eyes and I don't like the smell, I love my MAC Wipes and I think I'll stick with them in the future.



Barry M Nail Paint in #304 Mint Green: been waiting ages for this shade to it the shops and I love it, the perfect color for spring and summer.
Barry M Nail Paint in #300 Acid Yellow: this is the first polish by Barry M that I dislike, the texture is like water and it streak even after 2 coats.

Chanel:



Aqualumiere Lipstick in Positano: great color in the tube but it hardly shows up on my lips and as the lasting power of water, also it dries my lips out to the point were they flake and feel sore.
Bronze Universel Bronzing Make Up Base: love this product so much more than both of my NARS Bronzers, it's sheer but buildable being a cream product and it gives me a more realistic tanned effect.

Elemis:
This is the first time trying Elemis products and they are fast becoming my favourite for skincare.



Balancing Lime Blossom Cleanser: melts make-up off fast and doesn't leave my skin feeling oily like most cleansers can.
Sensitive Cleansing Wash: haven't tried this yet but I'm sure it's wonderful.
Balancing Lavender Toner: love that it's in a spray and it doesn't leave my skin sticky, feels very calming on the skin.
Skin Buff: the best exfoliator ever my skin feels so smooth after I've used this.
Fruit Active Rejuvenating Mask: deep cleansing but at the same time it doesn't dry out my skin.



They have an offer on at the moment were if you buy 2 products you get to choose 5 travel sizes from a selection of 10 and buy a 3rd and you'll receive a full sized bottle of their Frangipani Moisture Melt.
I've wanted to try their Pro Collagen range for a while but it's so expensive and I feel I'm still a little to young to be using these on a regular basis but the travel sizes are the perfect way of trying out a product and giving skin a boost.



Pro Collagen Lifting Treatment for Neck and Bust: I like this better than I thought I would, it leaves skin very smooth and plump.
Pro Collagen Marine Cream: this is my HG skin cream it adds the perfect amount of moisture, smells heavenly and I swear my skin is so much more radiant since I've started using this. Only negative is it doesn't have built in SPF.
Pro Collagen Quartz Lift Serum: not sure I like this yet, I don't see any additional benefits from this than when I use the Marine Cream on it's own.
Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing Facial Wash: better than my old glycolic wash, it exfoliates just as well but is super gentle on skin.
Exotic Frangipani Monoi Moisture Melt: the most luxurious body treatment on the market IMO, smells gorgeous and it sinks in fast and it can be used as an hair treatment and as cuticle oil too.

Perfume:



Gucci Flora
Escada Ocean Lounge

Lastly MAC:



Select SPF 15 in NC20
Studio Fix Fluid in NC20
Foundation Pump

I still have not found my perfect foundation so I thought I'd give these a try, actually that's a lie I've tried Studio Fix Fluid before and it was okay but I needed more coverage at the time.
I might have to exchange it for the NC15 because I think it's slightly too dark, you can even tell in the picture that the Select SPF is a shade lighter even though the shade number is the same.