With it being payday time for a lot of people and to celebrate the end of January (which let’s face it, can be the least favourite month for many!), I thought it would be good to share 5 of my most favourite recently available/ discovered purchases that you might want to treat yo’ self to too!
The best thing about all 5 items (apart from being awesome and all cruelty free obviously!) is that they’re all pretty affordable…in and around the £/€20 mark and 2 are even less than a tenner!
First up…I spoke about these bargainous beauties way back at the start of January when they first launched (full review and swatches here)…the Conceal & Define Concealers from a UK brand under the TAM Beauty brolly, Makeup Revolution. Even if you haven’t tried them yet, you’ll have definitely seen them around…hailed as a Tarte Shape Tape dupe and already a big hit. I do think it has slightly less coverage than Shape Tape, but it still gives a flawless finish and I love the way it feels so lightweight and more hydrating on. A great concealer and well worth the money in my opinion. Cruelty free and available in 18 shades…winner!
There wasn’t even a second of debate in my mind before picking up (several of) the Kat Von D Beauty X Billie Joe Armstrong from Greenday collab Basket Case Anti-Precision Eyeliner in Insomniac Black (UK* / IE*)…as a huge fan of both Kat and Billie as well as KVD Beauty as a brand, since the first Instagram hint of it from what seems like forever ago now…I knew I had to have it! It’s so far limited edition, with no word of a return so don’t dilly dally and miss out!
I LOVE this liner! There you go, I said it. There’s so many different ways to use it, whatever your style and once it’s on it’s on! Super blendable (work in sections though, you don’t get a huge deal of play time before it sets), smooth and the blackest of black…it’s perfection. Even if I’m not grunging up my eyes (but let’s face it, this happens most makeup wearing days for me), I love wearing it in my tight/ waterline for all day definition. Miss it…miss out! This one’s cruelty free and vegan.
Another new love in the form of Kat Von D Beauty’s newly reformulated Studded Kiss Creme Lipsticks (UK* / IE*). These have been a long time coming! I actually liked the old formula for the most part they were so long lasting for a traditional bullet lipstick, but they were on the drier side and some shades did drag a lot when you applied them. I’m a fan of liquid lipsticks (the KVD liquid formula is one of the best and most comfy around in my opinion) but sometimes (especially during colder months) my lips get dried out and cry out for something creamy and hydrating without compromising staying power! These are also cruelty free and the Studded Kiss line is now vegan…especially hard to create vegan red shades, so kudos KVD Beauty!
Available in 40 shades, 3 finishes (satin-matte, glimmer and metallic) in a full spectrum of rich shades. Including a pure white ‘White Out’ (in the satin-matte range) mixing medium shade to lighten and customise your hue as well as all our Everlasting Liquid Lipstick (UK* / IE*) faves, now in Studded Kiss form. I was particularly happy to see 2 of my favourite every day nudes, Bow N Arrow and Ludwig getting the Studded Kiss treatment. They’re smooth, creamy and comfy to wear anyway, but…they’re also great to take out with you to touch up your liquid lipstick too (they can be tricky to patch up due to the nature of the formula). Which shade will you go for??
I’d seen the Ciate Wonderwand Intensely Volumising Mascara around, but didn’t really think anything of it/ of picking it up until I saw Jkissa on YouTube using and raving about it a few months ago. I’m so picky with mascaras, but do trust Jkissa’s general opinion on things so decided to pick it up and give it a try…I’m glad I did! One of the main things that drew me in…it has a similar hourglass bristle brush to the Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara (UK* / IE*) which is another of my go to mascaras. It doesn’t smudge (a lot do on me, super annoying!), lengthens, gives amazing volume and curl and you can build the shiz out of it with out it going spider and flakey. It’s Paraben/ Gluten and cruelty free as well as also being vegan. If you fancy a new mascara and want full lush lashes without a clump in sight, this one’s definitely worth a look! I don’t think this is talked about enough considering how great it is!
Superdrug is a brilliant place to start if you’re looking for good quality, cruelty free/ vegan and affordable skincare/ beauty products. I use (and rate) quite a lot of their own brand products across the different skin concern ranges. The one I’ve been really liking over the last month is the Superdrug Calm Skin Hydrating 2 in 1 Serum & Moisturiser. It’s designed to target visible signs of stress on the skin like redness and uneven tone. It contains Chamomile and also Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide which are ingredients I know work for my skin and I look for in products. It’s not as hydrating as the name suggests, but I’m not mad at that…I like the way it makes my combination skin look and feel and it’s a great base for makeup! It’s so affordable and is a really good one step skin product for every day, if you’re short on time or can’t be bothered doing your full skin care and priming routine! It’d also be a good one to try if you’re happy with your existing skincare routine, but are in need of a good primer…I do feel like it gives makeup grip (it contains Glycerin) and keeps it looking fresh.
Are there any products you’ve tried and been loving recently?? Skin recommendations especially welcome if you have any…I’m a skincare junkie, but being more makeup focused tend to miss a lot of the good skincare stuff.
Also…what are you looking forward to picking up in the next few months?? There’s so many exciting launches coming up!
Lyd x
PLEASE NOTE:
I’m now based in Cork, Ireland. Although I do still take select bookings for North Wales/ Cheshire and Dublin (get in touch for more info) and am available to travel country wide…I’m mainly taking makeup bookings for Cork City and surrounding areas.
As a bridal makeup specialist, I do get booked up well in advance so if you’re looking for wedding makeup in Cork contact me asap to check availability, secure your date and avoid disappointment! I’m freelance and travel to your home/ venue of choice.
Also available for makeup for any occasion/ event, lessons and master class makeup…find more information and a full list of services here.
Contact us for enquiries/ bookings and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
Cruelty free.