It's time for the fifth edition of 'Loves and Lusts' for 2016! We are nearly approaching the half-way point for this year - madness. If you're a regular round these parts I'm sure this series needs no introduction, but if you are a newbie to this whole shebang, I'll link up all my previous posts I've done of this kind here for you to have a look at and get the general gist of how things work. Now, without further ado - let's get straight on into it...
What I've Loved:
Barry M Coconut Infusion Nail Paint in 'Laguna' - Starting off this edition of my Loves and Lusts once again with a nail polish favourite of the past month. This is a new range from Barry M (who, as you probably know by now, are one of my top nail brands) and it really is jumping on the whole hype surrounding Coconut in beauty products - this time combining the benefits of Coconut Water and Coconut Oil. The addition of both of these supposedly create a lacquer that delivers an opaque, high-gloss nail paint which also hydrates and nourishes your nail beds at the same time. Obviously, I've only been using this for a few weeks so can't really comment on whether it's made any long-lasting improvement to my nails, but formula is super long-lasting and my nails never feel or look 'stripped' when it comes to removal. This bright cornflower blue is the perfect pastel hue for me and there are a few more from the range which I also have my eye on, so watch this space...
Real Techniques Bold Metals '200 Oval Shadow' Brush - I have a new brush favourite for the month and surprise, surprise - it's from Real Techniques - but it's actually part of their more premium brush line 'Bold Metals' as opposed to the classic, super-affordable range which all my others in my collection come from. Ever since they first came out with the 'Bold Metals' brushes around the start of last year (I think), it was this one in particular which I was most interested in picking up. And so, when I was lucky enough to recive a Boots Giftcard for my birthday this month, this was top priority for being what I used it on. And I have to say, I am not disappointed. It's completely unique to anything else I have in my collection already - large enough to sweep colour all-over the lid in one go whilst softly blend it out at the same time - and I loves it.
NYX Soft Matte Lip Creams in 'Stockholm' and 'Zurich' - Onto all things lips and this month I've really been getting into the whole liquid lipstick thang at long last it appears. One brand which I've been loving during May for exactly that has been NYX. I finally made a few purchases from them after spotting a stand in my local Boots and lips were top of my agenda as it's always seemed the department NYX are most well-known for. The first formula I instantly reached for a fair few shades of was their classic 'liquid lipstick' line - the Soft Matte Lip Creams. These are an interesting one. They go on like a liquid lipstick typically does but dry down to a finish which is matte - but not completely matte, matte. Instead, these are more velvet-y in texture and so have the slightest amount of slip to them which means they're far more comfortable than your standard liquid lipstick formula, but still manage to last for a decent amount of time. They're not the longest-lasting lip option out there, but they fare pretty well considering how hydrating they feel on the pout. Of all the shades I picked up, I've particularly been enjoying using 'Stockholm' (a pretty, peachy nude) and 'Zurich' (a kind pinky-coral nude). Mwah.
NYX Lip Lingerie Liquid Lipstick in 'Bedtime Flirt' - Another lip-related inclusion and another from NYX - what did I tell you, eh? This time is a shade from their latest launch and what some may call their 'proper' liquid lipstick formulation. By that I mean, as opposed to the Soft Matte Lip Creams, these are closer to your classic liquid lippie texture. They're more viscous, fully 'set' on the lips to a full-on matte finish and feel darn drying on the pout without the right prep beforehand. But, because of all of those aforementioned points, there is one significant difference that puts these apart from the Soft Matte Lip Creams. Oh boy, do they last. I picked up two from the vast selection of nude shades they had on offer and of the duo - 'Bedtime Flirt' is definitely my favourite. A pinky-mauve which wouldn't look out of place on Kylie Jenner herself - I'm thinking this may just be a dupe for one of her infamous Lip Kits...
MAC Lipstick in 'Patessierie and 'Mehr' - It always seems to be the way with makeup that I'm either all about the base, eyes or lips during a certain month and for May it most definitely appears to be the latter as I have yet more lip products to show you lovely lot. Aswell as finally dipping my toe into the beauty pool that is NYX, May was also the month where I at last made my very first trip into MAC. I know, I know - majorly late on the bandwagon - but at least I'm firmly on it now, eh? After much deliberation, I choose some lip products to loose my MAC virginity to and I could not be more thrilled with my picks. Of course I had to try a lipstick
MAC Lipliner in 'Soar' - To complete my trio of products I picked up for my first-ever MAC haul, I plumped for this lip liner - and I think we all know this little guy by now. Unless you don't - there was so much hype surrounding this shade about a year or so ago now when Kylie Jenner supposedly claimed it to be 'the' shade she used to create that enviable pout of hers. Of course, over time we've all learnt of how she actually did it and the attention has perhaps died down a tad, but it's still a very popular product nonetheless and after hearing Lily Pebbles state this as the perfect partner in crime to 'Mehr' - I knew I had to pick it up. It is basically the same hue as 'Mehr', but in lip liner form and the texture of this is just lovely. The texture is neither too hard, nor too creamy and so creates a nice, crisp line and aids longevity; but is also comfortable and easy to apply.
Lottie London 'Soap Star' Solid Brush Cleanser - For standard brush washing, I like to think that I've got my 'go-to' products down, but when I finally got round to getting myself a makeup sponge a couple of months back, one thing that's been pressing on my mind ever since is just how I'm supposed to clean the darn thing. I'd heard through the grapevine that the types of products that are great for cleansing brushes don't work as well for sponges, so I knew I'd have to invest in a specialist item and I think I may just have found it. This does a pretty darn good job at ridding my Real Technciues Miracle Complexion Sponge of all the product build-up and is a bargain when you consider the price of the more expensive alternative from Beauty Blender. Wanna know more? Click here for my full review.
Simple Kind To Skin Protecting Light Moisturiser - Skincare-wise, I've been trying out a new face moisturiser this month and it is yet again one from Simple. I picked it up as part of this haul and it's kind of a 'New-Old' favourite as while this 'Protecting' one is something I'd never tried before, the 'Hydrating' version was one I tested out and really enjoyed a few months back. They're pretty similar, though this one contains UV protection (so is especially great for the upcoming warmer months) and has a thicker consistency. I love this one just as much and find it leaves my skin feeling and looking just as moisturised afterwards and provides a lovely base for makeup. Simple - you've done it again.
Soap and Glory 'Butter Yourself' Moisture Lotion - Sticking with the moisturising theme we've got going on - I have a body butter which I've been really enjoying throughout May. This is from Soap and Glory (again, another of my favourite fail-safe brands) and this is a little different from any of their other body lotions I've talked about in the past. Usually, I go for the ones they sell in the tubs, but this time round I've been slathering on one of the formulas which are housed in a huge bottle with a pump dispenser. I've always avoided them in the past as I never really thought they'd be as intensely hydrating, but in fact this feels just as quenching on my skin and sinks in super-fast too. I also find that the dispenser makes the whole process far more hassle-free and I feel more inclined to want to moisturise my body in the first place. Who would've thought it, eh?
Palmer's Natural Bronze Gradual Tanning Moisturiser - When I haven't been slathering the above onto my limbs, I've been using this and really loving it. I first featured it in this post and to be honest, I've only really been applying this to my legs as they are always the area of my body which seem to be the palest (and the rest is fairly pale anyway) and no matter what I do - they never catch a tan naturally. This gradual tanner has been working a treat on rectifying this problem and adding some much-needed colour to my pins. After some fine-tuning, we're getting along well and I know I can rely on this to give me just a hint of tint overnight, whilst also leaving my legs feeling super-soft and streak-free. Can Summer properly arrive already so I can show them off, please?
I Love... Lemon Meringue Whipped Sugar Scrub - To go with the above, I have been all about the body exfoliating - even more so that usual - as I also mentioned in the post linked above. It's a well-known fact that if you wanna fake tan (whether it be a full-on faux glow or simply a gradual thing like I've been using), it is essential you give your body a good scrub beforehand and after realising I had nothing of the sort in my stash, I picked this up in Superdrug a couple of weeks back. This was super affordable and I have to say, works a treat. The formula is quite interesting, as it's a scrub texture but as soon as you apply it to damp skin it begins to lather up like a body wash and it feels really creamy and nourishing on my limbs - a nice two-in-one there. The scrub isn't abrasive and harsh in any way and the smell is just all kinds of heart-eyed emoji.
What I'd Love To Have:
The Body Shop 'Piñita Colada' Range - Ranging from £5-£15 - I first heard about this new range from The Body Shop from Anna and Lily who hauled a few items on Snapchat a couple of weeks ago. I think it was around this time last year when they released their limited edition 'Virgin Mojito' range for the Summer and everyone went a little cray cray and it seems this year's launch is focused all around the pineapple and coconut goodness that is Pina Colada. I'm not the biggest Coconut fan, but I do love a good Pina Colada and so this seems right up my street. I will not let this one get away so easy...
Pixi Glow Tonic To-Go Exfoliating Toner Pads - £ - I have always lusted after trying the highly-coveted Pixi Glow Tonic. It's one of those products which you always hear and see so much hype about, but in the sense that it's simply an awesome product and so is deserving of all the praise it receives. So, when hearing about how Pixi are due to make a more ravel-friendly version of their popular beauty elixir, I'm even more intrigued to try it out. These types of products seem to be all the rage these days, so whether I end up taking the purchase plunge with Pixi or not - I definitely want to get on this bandwagon in some way or another.
L'Oreal Nude Magique Cushion Foundation - £14.99 (currently on an introductory offer at Boots for £9.99!) - L'Oréal have launched a new foundation, didn't you know? I'd be surprised if many of you didn't as this has been everywhere this past month. This base comes in the form of a cushion in which you tap a sponge or brush into and then apply to your face - with a customisable coverage depending on your method of application. This is supposed to be a 'nude' finish which looks undetectable on the skin - no matter how much you put on or how sheer or heavy the coverage you go for - so again, this sounds like just my cup of tea.
#BenefitBrows - Ranging from £17.50-£24.50 - Benefit are one of many brands that have either launched or announced a launch of some new beauty bits 'n' bobs this month and I think of them all, they've really pulled all the stops out. Known for their popular brow products, Benefit are due to revamp their pre-existing ones and add a whole lotta new brow-related goodness. Alongside your classics ('Gimme Brow' anyone?) there's now primers, pomades and powders to name but a few and it's all ready to enter the market next month. I'm yet to try any of the brow offerings from Benefit, but I think this launch may just be the incentive I needed...
Maybelline Color Sensational Vivid Matte Liquid Lipsticks - £6.99 each - When scanning the Boots website the other day, I noticed that Maybelline are also bringing out a fair lot of new products too and of them all, this new addition to their lip department by far caught my attention the most. Cottoning onto the whole 'liquid lipstick' trend, they've come out with their own version and having got rather into the liquid lacquer thang myself as of late - I'm really rather tempted to pick up a couple of shades to try out.
Barry M New Summer Launches - Ranging from £3.99-£6.49 - Like I said, a new season often sees a huge flurry of new releases and it's normally the time when brands decide to really go for it and add a variety of products to their line. Barry M never fail to miss this tradition and this Summer they've done it again and have a brand new crop of products ready and raring to go. There's some new metallic nail polishes, highlighter sticks and lip oils to nail but a few and I'm sure it won't be long before I add a few to my basket.
Zoella Beauty 'Sweet Sensations' Range - Ranging from £5-£12 - Around this time last year Zoe (a.k.a. Zoella) announced her 'Tutti Fruity' Collection and as expected, everyone and their Nan went mad for it - myself included. Following on from that, a couple of weeks ago Zoe dropped the news about her newest range for this Summer - 'Sweet Sensations'. This replaces the fresh, fruitiness of 'Tutti Fruity' with a more comforting, sweet fragrance and it sounds exactly like the sort of thing I'd love. I guess you can be expecting a 'Tried and Tested' sometime soon...
Anastasia Beverley Hills Glow Kit - £39.00 - Another 'Loves and Lusts' post, another mention of another highlighting product which I
So there we have my May Loves and Lusts! I'd love to know what you've been loving (and possibly lusting after) throughout this past month so do drop me a comment down below! I hope you've had an awesome May and have enjoyed #EveryDayMay as much as I've enjoyed putting it together and I'll see you same time, same place for June's edition! Scary stuff, eh?
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