The Samples | 9.11.14

Benefit Hello Flawless Foundation- I was quite excited to try out this foundation when I saw it was a bonus choice on Sephora’s website. I got the shade “I’m All The Rage” Beige, which actually turned out to be one or two shades too dark for my skin. The formula is really nice, however; it reminds me of the NARS Sheer Glow foundation. I felt like this was a bit heavier upon application it but after wearing it all day, I really liked the coverage and look it gave me. I would probably purchase this foundation after getting matched properly by a specialist.

Make Up For Ever Smoky Extravagant Mascara- This mascara came in a duo with a lipstick, which I’ll mention below. I have posted mascara reviews recently and I can still say I really like this mascara. It goes on very nicely, coating each lash, and makes them look really good. I felt like I could see every lash but it also volumized and make my lashes look really nice and full. I would definitely pick up a full sized version when I’m in need of mascara.

Make Up For Ever Lipstick in No 9 Copper Pink- I’m not really a lipstick kind of girl, but this is a lovely shade that’s versatile to wear during the day or on a night out. Copper Pink is more of a fall shade but it could be a good evening spring color. The formula is really light, making your lips look smooth and feel moisturized. If I wanted to try a new lipstick, I would go back to Make Up For Ever.

Kate Somerville Daily Moisturizer- I am a firm believer in a good moisturizer, and this Kate Somerville product was a good choice. It reminds me of milk… if milk came in a gel-like formula (weird, I know). It’s very light and smells good, too. The moisturizer took good care of my skin and lasted me all week.

Make Up For Ever Setting Spray- My make up always stays in place throughout my entire day, so I have never needed a setting spray. I decided to give this one a chance since it came in my package. I felt quite stupid spraying something in the direction of my face. Once I did spray this on, however, it just felt like water misting my skin. I didn’t see a big difference my make up staying, but if someone needs a setting spray I’m sure this would be a good choice.

Kate Somerville Mega-C Dual Radiance Serum- This little duo is for those who want some added radiance and extra care for their skin. I gave this one to my mother so she could try it out since it promotes youthful-looking skin (but it obviously does more than that). I have always been a fan of dual products, and my mother ended up enjoying this one as well. The only issue she had was that the “Mega-C” part irritated her skin, causing to her experience a burning sensation after application. But once she put the other part on top, it helped to relieve the burning. So if you get this product, use it with care!

My Favorite Nail Polishes - EVER!

Topshop nail polish has to be one of my favorite things in the world. And when I say that, I’m being totally serious. I have used many various brands throughout my life but I have to say Topshop holds the top spot.

Chanel Bronzing Base

I've just started to learn how important and necessary bronzer is in my daily makeup routine. It can light up your whole face and give you a hint of tan with just one swipe of your brush. If you're like me and want to try avoiding buying a summer shade of foundation, bronzer is a great way to try and match your body's natural tan during the summertime. I first read about one particular Chanel bronzer on another blog, so while I was at the local Chanelcounter, I asked them to try it out on me. As was expected, I fell in love with the product and bought it right on the spot. 

They applied it with a stippling brush - I loved the way the product went on and how it felt on my skin, so I bought one of those as well (it was a Real Techniques brush, if you were curious). I've had the bronzer for a little over a week now and I'm very happy with it. 

As you can see, It's very concentrated within the packaging so you really don't need too much on your brush when you go to apply it. A little does go a long way, and too much makes you look like you've consumed too many carrots (I joke). 

The packaging is so nice and it is a large compact. The girls at the Chanel counter even said that it will last me until last summer and I have to say I agree. 

It also smells really lovely and is more like a solid rather than a powder. This bronzer is one of the most unique products I've seen. 

Have you ever used this product? Or what is your go to bronzer? Comment below and thanks for reading. xx

NARS Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow

These eyeshadows are one of my most exciting things I've purchased in a while…and I've purchased a lot of things…I first laid eyes on this collection whilst at Bluemercury and was in awe of the shades. These Dual-Intensity shadows go on brilliantly; while I've only worn them wet, I've seen them applied dry and it looks amazing too. I decided to go with Dione, a shimmery silver and Himalia, a light but very shimmery gold.

Dione, on left, dry and wet, Himalia, on right, dry and wet.

The dry way, or normal way you could say, is very sheer and good for blending I can imagine. Wet is where the color's power and intensity comes out. I simply wet my brush with the water from my sink and when touched to the shadow, it almost soaks in the shadow. When I applied it all over my lid, since I've worn them alone, the color just pops with its metallic touch.

While pleased greatly with my shadows, I will say they are similar to my MAC shadow I bought from the Alluring Aquatics collection that came out this past spring. The MAC shade, Lorelai, is very reflective and is a great taupe color.

Dione

Himalia

I wore Himalia yesterday at work and it lasted all day. Shadows that last all day are very important to me, even though I use Urban Decay's Original Eyeshadow Primer Potion as my base. These shadows don't crease and do not have any fallout either.

Overall I am very happy with my NARS eyeshadows and I encourage you to find your nearest NARS counter and experience them! Hannah xx

MASSIVE Beauty Haul

So, I went a bit crazy this past weekend with purchasing some new beauty items to add to my collection. They were all mostly essential things that I actually needed - and others were just for fun (which is never really a bad thing, is it?). I was all over the board with these picks - from new makeup to various tools and brushes to body care and more!