I'm always switching my make-up storage around and am always on the lookout for other storage methods.

Just a selection of my 2011 favourites

WOW. I think you'll agree with me that 2011 has flown by, but I am now excited for the new year.

As I love writing Favourites posts I thought it may be a great reference to do a Favourites of 2011, as this allows me to share the products which are likely to be repurchases of mine in the future.

EYES

No7 Eyeshadow

MAX Factor False Lash Effect

LIPS

CHAPSTICK Lip Balm

MAX Factore Lipfinity

FACE/BASE

Bourjois Healthy Mix

 MAC MSF Natural

 Maybelliene Dream Satin liquid

 MAC Select Moisture Cover

MAC Mineralize Cream Foundation

Collection 2000 Pressed powder

MAC Studio Finish Concealer

BLUSH/BRONZER/HIGHLIGHT

Benefit High Beam

 Accesorize Bronzer

No7 Blusher

SKINCARE

PanOxyl

Sudocrem

BRUSHES

Primark Kabuki

ELF Powder brush,

***

I wanted to get this list up a.s.a.p so haven't gone into detail with the products. If you want to find out more about these products either check out previous favourites posts or comment below and I will give you a more detailed description.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVOURITES OF 2011??

x

I thought, seeing as I have been reaching for these products as of late and have been loving the minimal result, that I'd share my current make-up routine of the moment with you.

Maybelliene Dream Satin Liquid

This is a fairly new purchase to me (from a recommendation) and I love it! It covers how I like (medium) the finish is a Satin Finish, not as dewy as I like but still is great for my dry skin. As for lasting power, better than my Bourjois Healthy Mix, I can apply it at 7.15 am and still have it on at 6.30pm (set with a powder of course)

Collection 2000 Pressed powder

This is my second pan of this and for £2 its long lasting and sets your make-up perfectly. Although it matches my pale skin well, it can look powdery at the start of the day and sometimes makes parts of your face oily.

MAC Studio Sculpt Concealer

This must have been in at least every other favourites post. Because my skin hasn't been as dry lately, I have been using this under my eyes for long lasting coverage. Does the job perfectly.

No7 Intense Volume

This mascara I don't recommend for long lasting results but as it starting to dry up now, I am getting a more intense result.

GOSH Foundation Brush

For the past couple of weeks I have been neglecting my ELF powder brush for my creme foundation and instead have resorted back to this. I am less of a novice with this type of brush now, with a bit of practise, and am able to easily apply my foundation streak free.

What are you go-to Make-up Items of the moment??

x

This favourites has to be my favourite favourites post fro this year. Writing this means..... we are nearing December!!! My favourite month with festivities etc.

Unfortunatelty this post may be quite dull but I want to share with you some go-to's for the month.

No7 Blusher in Soft Damson

Since a couple of months ago, I have really gotten into using blusher and the quality of No7 Blushers are gorgeous. They are pigmented, apply evenly and smooth and have great lasting power.

MAC Studio Finish

I have done an in depth review to this but I love the coverage of this, although can be cakey, is brilliant for blemishes and under eye circles

AVON 8 in 1 Palette

I have had this for ages but never reached for it. After shopping my stash, I put this with my everyday make-up and I have been reaching for it most days, especially the far left of the palette. The colours are extremely pigmented and are very easy to work with.

Front Cover Palette

Again, I have had this since last christmas and hadn't used it. I placed my favourite colours in the palette and have found them perfect for evening wear. They are pigmented and shimmery and compliment each other for a lovely overall look.

Quite a short favourites post from me, although I have still been loving my Collection 2000 Powder and my MAC Moisturecover concealer in addition to these.

What have you been loving this month?? x

Items i've completed

I love.. Lip Gloss - Not one I'd repurchase. It is quite sticky and doesn't last, though tastes great

2 x Jemma Kid Lip Gloss - Again, sticky doesn't last overly long. Wouldn't repurchase

Vie Glamourizer Stick- Wrong colour, difficult to work with, Wouldn't repurchase

2 True Eyeshadow- Had in a light pink shade, great for a highlight but wasn't overly pigmented and didn't last, Wouldn't repurchase

Medicated Chapstick - My holy grail Lip Balm. Definate repurchase

Bourjois Healthy Mix - Was a holy grail product for me. Will repurchase

Technic Eyeshadow Quad - Affordable product which was perfect for everyday, the colours in the quad, in my opinion, weren't versatile, Probably won't repurchase

Rimmel Colour Mousse - stung my eyes, didn't blend, wrong colour, Would not repurchase

No7 Liplicious Gloss (Marshmallow) - Dried out my lips, the colour didn't last, Would not repurchase

Collection 2000 pressed powder- excellent value, lasts all day, Would repurchase

Colourworks lip palette- poor quality, wasn't consistent with consistency, doesn't last, Would not repurchase

MAX Factor False Lash Effect- great quality product, Would repurchase

Technic Lipstick- AWFUL, full stop, Would not repurchase

Superdrug Moisturizer- Cheap, works well, Would repurchase

Body Shop Cucumber Cleanser- Great quality, gentle on the skin, Would repurchase

Body Shop Cucumber Toner- removes last traces of make-up, would repurchase

Simple Kind to Skin Face Wash- Kind to the skin and washes your face but nothing special, Won't be repurchasing

No7 Soft and Soothed Cleanser- removes some of your mak-eup but have tried better, Won't be repurchasing

Natural Collection Body Cream - Cheap and smells great, Would repurchase

What have you used up lately?

x

For those that have read my blog for a while, you may know that back in July I purchased the Body Shop's cucumber skincare range. 4 months on and I have just ran out of both the skincare items.

Determined not to spend any money, as I haven't been for the past couple of months, I took a look in my drawers to find two face washes waiting to be used.

My new new skincare routine consists of Simples Moisturising Facial Wash in the morning, to refresh and wake up my skin and at night, remove my make-up with a baby wipe and cleanse with my trusty Neutrogena 2-in-1 mask.

I must admit, I do miss my cream cleanser but am having no troubles with this new routine.

Would you like a more indepth review??

x

Yes it is the end of the month again and December is swiftly approaching... excited??

This month has been fairly boring as new products go, due to the continuation of the P20 Pan, which I am progressing with rather well if I say so myself!

Vaseline

This month has been the start of my dry lips season. Fortunately, unlike last year, I am prepared and am laden with Lip Balms and Vaseline to aid my troubles. This has a pink tint to it and isn’t as greasy as the standard Vaseline, I think so anyway, and soothes any dryness I have nicely.

MAC Select Moisture Cover

This month has also been the month when dry skin has reappeared in full force, especially under my eyes which hasn’t happened before. This meant that my Studio Finish concealer was too cakey for me this month. Fortunately my Moisture Cover could step in and has worked wonders! I have found that this gives me excellent coverage without looking cakey.

Homemade Eye Primer

I have made a post about this but I have been reaching for this for those lazy days to add a bit of colour to my lids but also underneath eye shadow for those days that I decided to make an effort.

I believe the colour I have hit pan on is either Wheatsheaf or Mink

No7 Eye shadow

If you have read my older posts, you may know that a few christmas' ago I recieved a rather large make-up case full of No7 Goodies. This meant that i recieved over 30 ( I think) eyeshadows from the No7 range ( some which were Limited Edition). The pigmentation varies depending upon the colour, but all are of great quality and have great colour pay off. They can be easily applied to deliver an intense eyeshadow look but are also easily blended for a more natural look.

2True White Eyeliner

I don't use eyeliner on my waterline. Never have done and I don't plan on doing so either. However, I have been using this on my inner tearduct (inspired by Voussontbeauetbelle) to brighten up my eyes and this is definately doing the trick. Making me look more awake.

No7 Blusher

No7 Blushers offer colour that is pigmented but also blendable. Unfortunately, this was from a No7 Kit so this colour is unavailable to purchase but the quality of all the blushers are a great way to use up those No7 vouchers!

Collection 2000 Pressed Powder

I really like this powder. It's pale enough for my skin and provides great coverage, that lasts throughout the day. A great all round powder.

Thats all for this month. Apologies for it being boring... again. I hope my favourites get more exciting in the near future.

x

The next two are from NEXT. I have had a £5 gift card lingering in my purse for almost 2 years ( it was near expiry) so I impulsed purchased and decided that 2 x £2.50 nail polishes would be a good way of using up my voucher.

The left is in 'Blush', a light shimmery pink. The right is in shade 'red', though I think that it is more of an orange.

I'm sure I will have NOTD posts with these in the near future.

xx

Are you interested in a Nail Polish collection?

For those that have read my recent haul post, you may notice that I had hauled some Dry Shampoo's in which I promised to compare in a post for you all.

In this post I will be doing a comparison of two of the Dry Shampoo's photographed above. THe Saver's Dry Shampoo (Original) ( £0.79) and the Wilko Express Refresh Brunette (£0.99).

Colour

The Wilkinson’s Dry Shampoo that I tried comes in a ‘Brunette’ shade, therefore being coloured. I find that with this dry shampoo having colour it is less ashy that white dry shampoos but I found that the colour was not always consistent and sometimes applied white, or white with a slight brown hint, and made the hair look ashy. Though this rubs in easily and is then not noticeable.

The Savers Dry Shampoo applies white to the hair and leaves the hair very ashy in comparison to the Wilkinson’s dry shampoo. When rubbing this in, which takes a lot of work, it turns grey and then needs thoroughly brushing out to avoid the embarrassment that many may think you have premature ‘greyness’

Volume

The Wilkinson’s Dry Shampoo has a weak pressure (if that makes sense) and means that not much volume is achieved when using it. When I saw that it is ‘weak’ it does not add any volume at all but just applies the product, without weighing your hair down.

The Savers Dry Shampoo is a lot more ‘pressurised’ and leaves your hair with a lot more volume that the Wilkinson’s one does. In saying this, this does not leave you as much volume as the batiste products do.

Scent

The scent of the Wilkinson’s Dry Shampoo is very chemically and some may call highly unpleasant. Personally, I could stand the scent, but my sister highly despised it. However, the scent from this does fade and cannot be smelt after application.

The scent for the Saver’s Dry Shampoo isn’t unpleasant nor something to be used as a fragrance. I can stand the scent because it fades, but I don’t think it would be something I would like to linger in my hair.

Ability to absorb oil

With the Wilko Dry Shampoo oil is absorbed quickly and easily and your hair will not go greasy throughout the day.

With the Saver’s Dry Shampoo, Oil is absorbed but it will reappear throughout the day

Amount needed at a time

With both of these Dry Shampoos I find that a lot is needed at a time and will therefore soon run out. I do find though, that the Saver’s Dry Shampoo lasted a few days longer than the Wilkinson’s Product. Both will last approximately 1 –1 ½ Weeks

Conclusion

Overall, I would recommend the Wilkinson’s product the best as it is an affordable coloured dry shampoo that doesn’t let oil reappear throughout the day. Perfect if you don’t need volume too.

The Saver’s Dry Shampoo is perfect if you want a very affordable Dry Shampoo as a quick fix, but hair is left ashy and you can feel the build up in your hair.

I have definitely been MIA a lot lately and for that I apologise. September has been a hard month but i'm sure things can only get better!

My blog posts may have been few and far between but I would not abandon the favourites posts for anything.

Collection 2000 Pressed Powder/ £1.99

At first this broke me out, so be careful, but now that my skin seems to have gotten used to this. I really like this powder. It's pale enough for my skin and provides great coverage. A great affordable powder!

Sudocrem

Always in my make-up bag. I have a post all about this if you want to check it out.

MAC Mineralize Foundation with SPF ( Creme)

This isn't my everyday foundation but have been reaching for it when I go out or on the weekends and I love the coverage and lasting power that this has.

PanOxyl

I loved this in August but even better results came during september, my skin has improved dramatically.

Batiste Dry Shampoo

I have been trialling Dry Shampoo's lately and Batiste always comes up on top. It smells great, gives good volume ( though not amazing) and leaves your hair looking as if it has been washed.

LUSH RockStar Soap

Now I can't say that I love the scent of this, but that is not a problem as I can't smell it much after, but I love how easily this soaps/lathers and how smooth it is on the skin. A great alternative to body wash for me.

Harajuku Lovers Perfume

I love these bottles. Aren't they just adorable? The scent is just up my street. I would try and describe it but would butcher that completely. The only problem with this is that it doesn't last throughout the day but for night's out it is perfect.

Technic Blusher Mousse

This month has been all out blusher for me and this hasn't failed me. I love how this applies on the skin and how it looks on the skin. It also blends easily to look natural or can be layered for a more intense look.

2True Lip and Cheek Stain

I could never use this until I applied it using a brush (instead of my fingers). With my ELF powder brush I can apply this exactly where I want it and it blends effortlessly. At first I was scared of the neon colour but now I have got used to using it, I looks more natural to me.

Thats all for this month.

What are your September Faves?

We all have those make-up bags specifically for beauty 'emergencies' and I though I would share with you, mine!

Strawberry Lip Balm Pot ( Actually depotted body lotion)

I love reusing packaging, the little eco freak that I may be, so have put inside this little  red pot, my Natural Collection Body Cream, which smells ay-mazing. Essential for cold winter months.

Powder Brush

Clarity Spot Gel

Jemma Kid Lip Gloss

Tyrozets (for my bad throat)

Bobbles and Hairgrips

Hand Sanitizer

Pressed Powder

Theramed  Toothpaste and Mouth Wash

Bizarre but I actually use this for a minty 'touch up'. I use a pea sized amount and spread it around my mouth and I'm left with "minty freshness"

Paracetamol

4HEAD

What do you carry for 'emergencies'?

xx

The second I completed my P10 Pan, shopping was on my mind. I took a cheeky trip to boots, wilkinsons and home bargains and picked up a couple of 'necessities'.

Home Bargains 'Festival' Dry Shampoo -£0.79

Wilkinsons Express Refresh Brunette - £0.99

Home Bargains 'Original Dry Shampoo - £0.79

I have actually planned out a comparison of these affordable dry shampoo's so keep a look out for that.

Natural Collection Loose Powder/£1.99

Collection 2000 Pressed Powder/£1.99

I have just finished my MAC MSF Natural and had no powders left at all in my collection. I don't like to spend a lot on powder usually, my MSF was an exeption, so turned to Boots. They are currently offering 3 for 2 across most make-up and nail polishes so picked up these 3 for £3.98 (£1.99 each).

Thats all! A very affordable haul if I must say so myself! x

Personally, I feel quite proud.

1. That I haven't bought any make-up for that long

2. That I have actually completed 3 Lipglosses!

I feel great doing this, I most probably undergo another of these shortly.

Products I have completed:

The idea of this wand is to wrap your hair around the silver cone, the closer to the smaller end, the tighter the curl. Generally it takes me about 15 minutes to do my whole head. I find that if I curl my hair with this and spray a small amount of hairspray, the curls will last all day.

There are four heat settings from 155 to 200 degrees. It takes very little time to heat up, well under a minute, and you know it has reached temperature when the light stops flashing next to the corresponding heat setting.

I like to curl my hair in small sections, approximately an inch width, and hold my hair on the heat for 10 seconds. It is a little bit fiddly at first but then one you get the hang of how to use this type of iron,it is really easy

The disadvantage to not having a clamp on this iron, and due to the nature of a conical wand, there is a high risk of you catching you hand and burning yourself. Babyliss do supply a handy heat protective glove which is thin enough to still have control but thick enough to reduce the heat that is felt on your fingers.

"The BaByliss Root Boost brings you the top hairdressers best kept secret for creating volume- using micro crimp plates to add texture to the underneath layers giving all the volume of back combing without the frizz!"

To create volume you are advised to section your hair and crimp a small section (about 1 inch) of hair. To do this you hold the hair straight with one hand and with the other hold the root boost and hold it on the hair for 5-7 second as near to the root as you can. To achieve the best result, repeat this all around your hair and at multiple layers if desired.

To do this all around the hair with 2 tiers, this takes 10-15 minutes. If you wish to follow this with straightening, or straighten before, the whole process could take 30-40 minutes. Which, on an average day, takes up a lot of time. This has resulted in me only having used this 3/4 times in the past 7 months.

The volume that this tool gives will last for 2 days and what makes this better than back combing is your hair isn't left frizzy and it doesn't need 'topping up'

Overall, this is a great tool that will work but it does take time and commitment that not all of us have.

GHD’s are the straighteners of all straighteners.They heat up much quicker and at a higher temperature than most other straighteners, and can curl your hair as easily as you can straighten it.

If you are hesitant to splurge on a £100+ on a pair of straighteners then don’t! These will last you year upon years and will end up working cheaper than repurchasing a £30 set every year.

GHD’s take about 20 seconds to heat up and heat at 220 degrees with a little beep and an LED light to tell you.. They easily glide through the hair and in a short amount of time your hair is transformed. Instead of static and frizzy your hair is left smooth and sleek.

Another great thing about these straighteners is that if you leave them unattended and forget you have left them on, they will automatically switch off. GHD’s are definitely the way to go.

What hair tools do you swear by?

xx

For those who didn't see my fail of a Blogger draft, here are my August Favourites.

This month I have been giving my skin a break and have been trying to clear my skin, hence the lack of favourites.

PanOxyl

This has been showing dramatic changes to my skin. The amount of breakouts and cystic spots I have has decreased by using this and I will definately continue to use this.

E45

Because  I have been thoroughly treating my spots daily with PanOxyl my forehead has become dryer than usual and has been needing extra moisture. E45 works miracles and helps my skin to recover.

Bourjois Healthy Mix

I have spoken of this foundation far too much on my blog so I'll keep it sweet. A medium-full coverage foundation that feels lightweight on the skin.

Technic Eyeshadow Quad, VIE Glamourizer Stick, Rimmel Colour Mousse

This has been my go-to make-up this month. If using the glamourizer stick or colour mousse on their own, I highly dislike the end result but mix the two in a pot with some moisturizer and I love them!

Escada Taj Sunset

This is such a fruity fragrance and I highly love it. You only need a small spritz of this and the scent lasts all day.

That is all for this month. Hopefully next months favourites will be more exciting!

xx

Now that I have been continuously using one product; I have seen a positive change to my skin.

PanOxyl contains BenzoylPeroxide and works by drying the spot out. PanOxyl advises that you use this once a day, if you do exceed the once a day recommendation you will notice your face getting sufficiently more dry, and that it works the best with a freshly cleansed face.I personally find that this works best left overnight on your skin and on spots that have come to a head. 

When using Panoxyl you have to expect the area it is being used on to get possibly worse before it gets better.By worse I mean that you may have a ma-hoo-sive spot breakout or your skin will get flaky, even if you only use the 2.5% gel once a day.During the use of this you will need to use extra moisturizer, I recommend E45, and you may want to avoid foundation.

Overall I feel that PanoXyl is a really affordable product that works wonders and if you have a pesky breakout that you want come overnight then this is the product to go for.

xx

Many of you reading this may have read a previous post of mine, Top 3 Products under £5. I enjoyed writing the post and reading other peoples versions of it. Because of this I thought it may be interesting for you to hear my favourite products under £10.

Many, if not all, of these products have been featured on my blog before, only because if I like a product enough I will rave home about it.

Hollister Body Spray / £10 - 2 for £14

These are rather expensive considering you can purchase one of these for £2 from Natural Collection but these smell divine and the bottle will easily last you three months.

Bourjois Healthy Mix / £9.99

This is my all time favourite foundation. It is light and dewy but also gives you great coverage.

MAX Factor False Lash Effect / £8.95

I love this mascara. It easily coats your lashes leaving them thicker and longer. It doesn't clump and won't flake off your lashes.

PanOxyl / £3 approx

This is one of few spot treatments that show visible results. I have many spots under the surface and this shows visible results overnight. You do have  be cautious though as this does dry out the skin in the areas in which it has been applied.

ELF Studio Powder Brush /£3.50

I have done a review of this brush already on my blog and I still rave about this brush. It is great for powder and liquid products and leaves with a flawless look.

MAX Factor Lipfinity Colour & Gloss / £9.99

Yes. This is very expensive for a lip gloss but , because it is double ended , you can justify the price. This acts as as lip tint and as a sheer gloss. It is very versatile and this is my go-to gloss when I go out. The tint easily blends into your lips without drying and the gloss adds a gloss that also moisturises your lips.

Accesorize Baked Bronzer Duo - Pear Sands / £6

Again, a versatile products that means you get more for your money. I love the glow that this gives and it lasts. I often use either the highlighter or the bronzer on its own the mix the colours together to give a more subtle bronze.

Thats all for my Top Products under £10. What are yours?

I TAG you all to post your Top Products! xx

P.S Please go to my previous post and help me to choose which bag to get to go with my Black Uniform.