Importing Google Reader Following List To Bloglovin'

After the whole GFC removal scare I know a lot of other social networking platforms have become a lot more popular, the main one being Bloglovin'. It's basically just a reader, just like the 'reading list' here on Blogger. In fact, you can actually very easily import your google reader in to Bloglovin' at the click of a button. Simply sign up, use this link to import your google reader blog list and there you go! All the blogs you follow and their newest posts listed in the same format as Google, but on a safe and easy to use website. I've had an account on there for a while but never really bothered to put word out there purely because GFC did the job just fine. Just in case GFC does get replaces for Google+ (which in my opinion is pretty rubbish) my Bloglovin' link is below so you can keep up to date with all my latest posts!

A Is For Ayla Bloglovin'

Don't hesitate to send me your Bl' links!

MAC Paintpot in 'Antique Diamond' Review & Swatches

 
 

When in Leeds, its obligatory to visit Harvey Nichols and when doing so, visit the MAC counter. Originally for my prom makeup I wanted  to go down the warm toned route as in my head, all cool-toned metallic silvers looked gritty and photographed awfully. And so, I was going to head straight for 'Bare Study' and pick it up and buy it without any thought. However, 5 minutes later I had somehow been persuaded to sit at the awkward MAC desks (those that cause knee dislocations, you know the ones!) and had one of the artists trying a few things out. After a few added extras (eyeliner pencil, greensmoke in the outer corner and patina in the crease) I was convinced that Antique Diamond was probably the right choice.

Antique Diamond is a really really unusual colour. In the pot its a grey with an olive tinge (hence why it worked so well with Greensmoke) however on my eyes it comes out a pale grey. The thing about paintpots is that they are really sheer, so don't expect thick pigmentation unless you're loading the product on in layers. Paintpots are designed to be used as a base to intensify the colour of powder shadows worn on top. Personally, I have quite small eyes so a heavy eye look doesn't always suit me and especially for a prom, its better to go with something lighter. I'll probably wear it on its own with definition added through liner and mascara. There'll be lots of photos I'm sure!

The formulation of the paintpots are again pretty unusual. They are firm enough to stand freely and be manipulated by brushes, but spread smoothly and evenly on to the eyelids. They are quite 'buttery' and don't drag like a few drugstore alternatives I've tried. They are comparable to the Maybelline Color Tattoos, I'm hoping to have a comparison post up soon.

I'll definitely dip my toes in to the pond of MAC Pro Longwear Paintpots again, 'Bare Study' and the rest!

MAC Pro Longwear Paintpot in 'Antique Diamond' £14.50 Harvey Nichols

My Summer Makeup Essentials!

Recently I did a guest post for Danielle over at Miss Sunshine and Sparkle sharing my 'Summer Makeup Essentials'. Click here to read the post!

Prom Makeup Wishlist!

I'm getting sooo in to the prom prep after purchasing my dress. P,P,P,P can I get any more 'P's? My Prom is just over a week away and of course being a beauty blogger I favour makeup over shoes and bags and all the usual stuff you tend to buy first after the dress. As I'm a huge control freak I'm doing my own makeup and I'll probably use a lot of the products I already own and love (e.g Maybelline Falsies Mascara, Collection 2000 Concealer) but below are a few of the bits I'm eager to try, and fit in well with the look I'm going for - cool tones with hints of pink and lots  and lots of shimmer!

Some of the products pictured include Chanel Lipstick in 'Rose Comete', Nars 'Orgasm' Blush, Mac Eyeshadow in 'Vex' and Barry M Gelly Highshine Nail Paint in 'Lychee'.

What would be on your special occasion makeup wishlist?

Nars Laguna Bronzer Review & Swatches

Probably one of the most long overdue posts I've ever written tbh. Nars Laguna Bronzer has become on of my everyday staples for the last 6 or 7 months, and I LOVE it! Nars is a pretty controversial brand in terms of product and worth so this is a review (that will be followed up with another linked review) to maybe identify some honest pros and cons of the product, for anybody undecided about buying.

 

One of my biggest peeves about NARS is their packaging. Yes, it looks awfully pretty and feels nice but as most of us know, rubberised packaging does not fair well in the makeup drawer. Dirt, foundation and especially powder will cling to the packaging, regardless of how much you try to protect it (I mean look at mine!). A lot of people compare it to Sleeks packaging, but the packaging is one thing you know you're paying the extra for. Its pretty thick and bulky, which although means the pan is technically safer, you've got to understand this thing is HUGE, its so easy to lose grip and drop it on the floor. Thankfully no pan smashes yet, but be careful! Another teeny complaint about packaging is the sheer amount of cardboard you get with the box, completely unlike any other high end product I've ever bought, just a little unnecessary and polluting really.

I don't want to speak too much about formulation as I have another post coming up not too long after this one that will cover all that. Basically, in the pan it looks a million different shades under different lighting. As you'll notice, it looks more like a highlighter in bright light. This is one of the things that can make buying this product pretty difficult, as we all know what beauty counter lights are like, it can really distort the shade so if you're looking to find honest swatches, beauty blogs are definitely your best bet. Below are some swatches of what the product will look like in natural light, a very golden bronze with golden shimmer.

 

Unblended / Blended

The thing I was worried about when originally buying this is whether or not it would suit my skin tone. I have a really yellow-olive skintone and lots of bronzers can look really funny or 'dirty' on my face. At the time I suspected many pale people would have the same issue but after finally taking the plunge I can honestly say I don't think anybody would have a problem with this bronzer in terms or suiting skintone. Because of the super soft nature of the formula, it blends really easily, and so its hard still to go 'clown overboard' which is good in any beauty bloggers books.

Nars Laguna Bronzer £26 Selfridges