Fashionista Custom Palette - Blushes

I'm sure you have seen a few posts pop up about these custom palettes. They are relatively newly released and their unique selling point unlike Mac and similar palettes is that all the refills in the range are the same size meaning you can mix and match between eyeshadows and blushes.

The palettes are available in two colours Metallic Red and Glossy Black, I did order the Black one but Superdrug decided that I obviously meant the red version. The red palette is nice enough though and really sturdy with a large mirror. When you flip the palette over to it's back you can easily see which shade is which without actually opening the palette which is something that always irks me about Mac Palettes.

The products come in small black individual palettes which you can use as an individual shade or you can pop it out and slot it into the palette. When removing the shades to place them in a palette I recommend 'popping' them out over a soft surface such as a towel to prevent them landing on a hard surface and smashing!

Like earlier mentioned Fashionista Palette refills come in both blush and eyeshadow form but I decided to have one palette full of blushes and one full of eyeshadow...sort of missing the point there aren't I haha! The blush range is great and I have my eye on a few other shades which I will pick up sooner or later. The great thing about this range is each refill only costs £4 and unlike pro pan refills they can be used with or without a palette to store it in.

Shade 5 - Blushing Coral - link 

This is shade is the reason you shouldn't trust Superdrug's photos or the shade description. Blushing Coral? Really? It is most definitely a bright pink! If you are looking for a coral blush then this is not the one but that being shade it is a lovely vibrant and well pigmented matte vibrant pink shade. Although it is matte it is no way chalky and it gives the same sort of effect as Mac Bite of an Apple.

Shade 10 - Butterscotch - link

If you are a fan of Mac's Melba blush then I'd imagine you'd like this shade too! It is not an exact dupe for Melba more of a brown toned version that will suit the majority of skin tones. As it is a matte blush it can also be used to contour again it is not chalky and very well pigmented for what is a fairly light shade.

Shade 6 - Juicy Apricot - link

I'm a huge fan of this shade, I'd imagine some will draw comparisons from this shade to Nars Orgasm but truth be told this shade is far more orange based than the pink based Orgasm. Juicy Apricot is a bright orange toned coral blush that has little flecks of silver shimmer present however it is not overly shimmery and does not highlight any faults of the skin. I love this sort of shade and I find they work best on medium to dark skin tones.

Shade 4 - Amber Glow - link

Again another shade that sooner or later will be compared to Nars Orgasm, this one is slightly closer in tone to Orgasm but not what I would call a dupe. Amber Glow is a deep pinky orange coral that is far more frosty than I appreciate. The shade is pretty enough but not one I will reach for often due to the shimmer factor.

Shade 12 -Cinnamon - link

This shade reminds me of my much reached for Mac Mocha blush. Cinnamon is pink tinged brown blush that is far more flattering applied than swatched. Again it is a matte shade that packs a punch in terms of pigmentation.

You can buy all the above mentioned products from Superdrug and Superdrug.com, the palette costs £5 - link and all the refills cost £4 which I have linked individually. Please note that the photographs on Superdrug's website don't accurately convey the shades.

Barry M Limited Edition Nail Effects - Lilac Foil

At the moment if you spend over £6 on Barry M Cosmetics at Superdrug you get a free Barry M Nail Paint. Never one to look a gift horse in the mouth I browsed the nail paints and settled on the Limited Edition Lilac Foil Nail Effects. I think this shade is also exclusive to Superdrug but I may be wrong?

I honestly don't know why I settled for this shade as I don't tend to favour the shade Lilac and this is no different. Lilac foil is a pale silvered lilac that dries to a glossy finish with a metallic sheen. The coverage of this polish is actually really good you could easily apply one coat and call it a day but I am a two coat kinda gal! It dries quickly and doesn't require a top coat but I do advise one if you plan on wearing the shade all week.

I can't quite put my finger on why I dislike this polish it is mainly the shade, there is something very dated about it in my opinion. It's something that perhaps would be better at home on an elderly lady with a penchant for frosty pink lipstick haha!

Availability - Like I said I think this is a Superdrug exclusive but I can't find it online on their website nor the Barry M website.

Boudoir Prive - November Issue

Okay I know there is a few cross over brands in this months box but none of the products are identical to what we have received in previous boxes be they Boudoir Prive or any other box but we need to keep in mind no brand is going to grant a sample box exclusivity and it was bound to happen sooner or later. I honestly don't mind a few crossover brands as long as the products vary as I see it if you like a brand then more samples of such brand are always welcome.

Bodycare - Dead Sea Spa Magic, Silky Smooth Body Lotion (50ml), Full Size 350ml/£7.50

This is one of the cross over brands in this months box. It is a light and thin body lotion that has a typical aqua/spa scent that I quite like. It aims to improve elasticity all the while soothing and preventing dryness. I have tested this out on my hands and it absorbed quickly, I won't use this as body lotion as I have far too many and prefer body butters anyway but will keep in my hand bag to sort out any dry/itchy skin on the go!

Skincare - Korres - Wild Rose 24 Hour Moisturiser (10ml), Full Size 40ml/£19.00

Again another cross over brand but one I welcomed and probably the item I was most excited about in the box. I love Korres products they are great quality and the scents are just divine! The sample is on the small size but I have tested it and the thick moisturiser is a case of a little goes a long way, I'd estimate there is more than a weeks use in that tiny tube! Korres Wild Rose 24 Hour Moisturiser promises to even out skin tone and repair fine lines, like I said I've tested it and so far so good. This is the product in the box i'd most likely buy the full size version of.

Haircare - Rahua - Voluminous Shampoo & Conditioner ( x2 8ml/ x2 10ml), Full Size 275ml/£27-28.00

I haven't been able to test these yet as I have been testing other hair care products but from what I have heard they are pretty decent shampoo/conditioners. Both products are 100% natural and can help create natural thick, voluminous hair. The sample packets are great for taking swimming or travel.

Lifestyle -Vinies Ayurveda's Soul - Luminous Skin Mask ( x2 15g), Full Size 40g/£32.85

I have seen all the complaints on Boudoir Prive's Facebook page about these masks and I have decided not to test them on my face as I have sensitive skin that will react. For those interested it is an exfoliating mask that will brighten, tone and exfoliate skin and can be used daily. The sample size in the box is actually good quality considering the full size is 40g and we got 30g in the box !

Make-Up- Studio Make-Up - Rich Hydration Lipstick (Full Size), £12.25

I was one of the lucky ones who scored the pretty truly red shade which is very similar to a shade I have been lusting after for a while! The formula is light and glossy, it glides on and is well pigmented. It is available in four shades (some nicer than others) and is anti-ageing. 

Boudoir Prive costs £12.95 per month for more information you can visit their site - link.

So what did you all think about this months Boudoir Prive Box? Are you excited to see what the Christmas box may bring?

The above product/s was sent for reviewing purposes, I was in no way compensated for my review. Just because the item/s were not purchased by me does not mean my opinion of said item/s was in any way swayed. 100% honest opinion and review as always.

Barry M Lip Paint Shade 154 Pale Nude Review

I know Barry M Lip Paints aren't always our first choice when it comes to lipstick but I do think credit is due to the brands lipstick range. The colour range is vast, there is lots and lots of Mac dupes in such range, the formula isn't the worst and the price point is low at less than £5 per lipstick!

Barry M 154 Pale Nude is a recent release, I love that Barry M are forever adding to their lipstick line as far as drug store brands go I'd say they have the largest shade range available. Shade 154 Pale Nude is well surprise surprise a light nude but unlike some light nudes out there this isn't ghostly pale but has a light peachy tone to it which is so much more flattering than a concealer toned lip colour.

Formula wise I do find Barry M a little hit and miss but this shade doesn't seem to be as drying as some of the lighter shades they offer. I found it to apply really opaque in one quick swipe and last for around 3 hours per application. I should add that it probably would last longer on someone who is much less a habitual applier like myself haha! Barry M lipsticks are not labelled with any sort of clue to what finish they are, 154 Pale Nude has a light glossy finish that makes it rather moisturising

When I first opened Shade 154 I knew it reminded me of something and after a quick rummage through the Mac lipstick stash I found it to be most comparable to Mac Playing Koi which was a limited edition at the beginning of the year. Playing Koi is a touch more pink but they are pretty similar. So if you are after a Playing Koi dupe Barry M 154 Pale Nude may be the one for you?

Round Up - A decent peach toned nude, good formula and a really wearable pale nude.

Best For - Anyone who like nude lips but doesn't like looking washed out, I don't imagine this would be flattering on dark skins in all honesty.

Availability - BarryM.com - link, Superdrug, Boots.com - link, £4.49