LUSH "The Comforter" Review

(image from weheartit.com)

To be honest I used to hate baths. I don't own one and I never saw the benefit of one until I found "The Comforter" in my Local LUSH store. I had to head over to my boyfriends house to use this as none of my family own a bath!

"The Comforter" is a bubble bar made from Cassis Absolute (a fruit that smells very similar to blackberry) and Bergamot Oil.

Firstly it's a long lasting product as you only have to use about a 1/5 of it to get lots of bubbles.

Secondly it's easy to use as all you have to do is crumble the bar under your tap and voila! Instant fuchsia bubble bath.

Another thing to note is that its one of LUSH's best scents, it's quite a fruity smell (similar to  blackcurrant)and it's my personal favourite scent.

Would I repurchase?

Definitely, as it's my favourite product from LUSH so far.

Score: 5/5

You can buy it from LUSH here at £4.50 a bar.

Go give it a try and tell me what you think in the comments! Also I was thinking of videoing bath bombs, bubble bars etc on my Instagram so you can see what it looks like before you buy, do you guy's like this idea? or am I mad?

LUSH Ocean Salt Review

(image from wehearit.com)

As I am rather poor at the moment i've resorted to collecting samples from my new favourite shops, LUSH. Recently I picked up a sample of Ocean Salt as I had heard some rave reviews about it and wanted to try out new products. Ocean Salt is an exfoliator made with lime, sea salt, and vodka meaning it's especially beneficially for spot-prone skin! I would only use this exfoliator once a week as the sea salt can become quite harsh on the skin and irritate it. 

Would I repurchase?

No because it is a little too harsh on my skin, but if I had a massive breakout this would be my go-to exfoliator. 

Score: 3/5

Give it a go and see if it works for your skin. You can buy it from your local LUSH store at £13.25 a pot. Leave me a comment on your opinion on Ocean Salt and recommend some LUSH  products I should review as Im still quite new to the franchise.

Birthday Wish List *Skincare*

In less than a month i'll be the ripe old age of 19! (can't believe I'm turning 20 next year) So over the last month I've been adding lots to my birthday wish list, so much so that i've had to separate it up a little so its not too overwhelming. This series will be separated into sections including; Skincare, Makeup, Clothes, Accessories, Shoes, Miscellaneous and My Top 5. First off is SkinCare!

1. Soap and Glory: Smoothie Star Breakfast Scrub

I've been after this beauty for a while now since seeing it on Tanya Burr's channel. I also heard so many rave reviews about how it "transforms your skin" so I want to see how it fairs on my spot-prone face.

2. Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish (with muslim cloth)

I bought a 15ml tube of this product for my birthday last year and initially I really wasn't impressed. However using it every so often (rather than every day) has helped me appreciate it much more. I still have my tube but it's near to running out so....restock please?

3. LUSH Cosmetic Warrior Face Mask

I hated LUSH, seriously hated it. I would purposely avoid LUSH stores in the past, but after reading rave reviews of its skin masks I decided to venture in. I got bucket of samples and one of them was Cosmetic Warrior. With garlic (you can't smell it really) and tea tree it's a saviour for blemished skin like mine. I can't wait to have to have a tub of my own! and if no-one buy's it for me I will!

4. LUSH Phoenix Rising Bath Bomb

I don't currently have access to a bath (apart from at my boyfriends house) but I've been loving the smell oozing from this bath product. With a combination of Bergamot Oil, Shea Butter and Cocoa Butter it's like my perfect smell combined.

5. The Body Shop Ionic Clay Seaweed Mask

Again I've only heard positive reviews on this product! Seaweed is meant to be excellent for my skin and the BB Seaweed in LUSH didn't quite live up to my expectations, so I thought i'd give the famous Body Shop a try.

So that's Skincare! It does include some of my new favourites (Cosmetic Warrior) and some I've been waiting years to try, but I think i've made it fairly varied.

Hope you enjoyed this post! Please tell me if you've tried any of these products and if they worked for you down in the comments! :)

FOTD: Bird's of a Feather

Hello there lovelies! Recently I got sent a big package from LOLA by perse with lot's of goodies inside for me to try; including some bright eyeshadow from their new spirited away collection. Im not one for bright's myself preferring nude's but I thought I'd give it a go!

I started off with my daily base: 

LOLA Illuminating Base || Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation || Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer || Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer || Nars Orgasm 

I then primed my lids with LOLA Eye Base and applied LOLA Eyeshadow in 035 (blue) to the inner corners of my eyelid. Using the LOLA Smudger Brush I lightly dusted LOLA Eyeshadow in 045 (Peach) to my crease line and outer corners, I used the brush to make the line less harsh (but you can use your fingers too!)I even added a little dash of yellow in the middle to help the two colours blend.

There it is, my first "Brights" FOTD! Its not brilliant but hopefully with a little bit of practise one day I can bring you something "exotic"! ;)

Why don't you try something new with your makeup today?

Tweet me your looks at @anniemacblog

This or That Beauty Tag

I spotted this tag on A Girl Called Nina's Blog and thought it was a good idea for a quick blog post when Im on the move or overrun with college work!

So here's my take on the this-or-that tag:

weheartit.com

Makeup

Blush or Bronzer - Blush 

*I can never find a bronzer light enough for my pale skin!*

Lip gloss or Lipstick - Lipstick

Eye liner or Mascara - Mascara

Foundation or Concealer - Concealer 

*A must for my zits and dark circles!*

Neutral or Colour eye shadow - Neutral

Pressed or Loose eye shadows - Pressed

Brushes or Sponges - Brushes

Nails

OPI or China glaze - OPI

Long or Short - Short

Acrylic or Natural - Natural 

*I only paint my nails when I remember..so about 5 times a year?*

Brights or Darks - Brights 

Flower or no Flower - Flower

Body

Perfume or Body splash - Perfume....what even is body splash?

Lotion or Body butter - neither! 

*just feels like i'm making my body oily*

Body wash or Soap - Body wash

Lush or other bath company - The Body Shop!

weheartit.com

Fashion

Jeans or Sweat pants - Jeans

Long sleeve or Short - Long sleeved

Dresses or Skirts - Dresses

Stripes or Plaid - Plaid

Flip flops or Sandals - Sandals

Scarves or Hats - both

Studs or Dangly earrings - neither 

*Even though my ears are pieced, I never wear earrings*

Necklaces or Bracelets - Necklaces 

Heels or Flats - Flats

Cowboy boots or Riding boots - Riding boots

Jacket or Hoodie - Hoodie

Forever 21 or Charlotte Russe - Forever 21

 *My favourite high street store!*

Abercombie or Hollister - Hollister

Saks 5th or Nordstrom - Never heard of either of these brands

Hair

Curly or Straight - Curly

Bun or Ponytail - Bun

Bobby pins or Butterfly clips - Bobby pins

Hairspray or Gel - Hairspray

Long or Short - Long 

Light or Dark - Light 

Side sweep bangs or Full bangs - Side swept

Up or Down - Down 

Random

Rain or Shine - Shine

Summer or Winter - Summer

Fall or Spring - Spring

Chocolate or Vanilla - Chocolate

East coast or west coast - of America..? Florida....just Florida.

And that's me done, I tag all you readers out there! If you do have a go at this tag, leave a link below *I love reading your posts* or you could even put your answers straight in the comments :)

Personal Style #2

You know those day's where you just feel the wardrobe fairy has been rummaging through your clothes? and you manage to find the perfect outfit or look? Today was one of those days for me.

Makeup:-

 LOLA Illuminating Base || NARS Sheer Glow in Gobi || RIMMEL Wake Me Up Concealer || COLLECTION Lasting Perfection Concealer || RIMMEL Stay Matte Powder || SLEEK Lace Blush by 3 in Crochet || COLLECTION Liquid Eyeliner || LOLA Automatic Pencil in Black || MAYBELLINE Baby Lips in Hydrate || LOLA Matte Long Lasting Lipstick in Cheeky Cherry

Product  of the day: LOLA Long Lasting Lipstick in Cheeky Cherry

Even though it transfer's easily it really is long lasting! I applied it at 7am and didn't have to touch it up all day. It is a very Neon Orange/Red, so perfect for a bold lip look.

Outfit:- 

I was sporting a cream Topshop scalloped top, a grey H&M jumper, a Pandora bracelet, Forever 21 Jeans and Brown Ankle Boots. All of these items are unfortunately not sold anymore but below I styled a similar outfit with a few extra items I would add if I had the money!

Asos Shirt with Scallop Collar || Grey Long Sleeved Ribbed Jumper || Daisy Street Denim Tube Pant || Balloon Zipper oversized leather tote bag in yellow from Boticca || Purified Womens Petra 2 Leather Heeled Ankle Boots - Black || Caterina Mariani leaf necklace || Zoe and Morgan "Jett" necklace || Asos Quilted Duffel Bag

Did you enjoy this post? Please leave me a comment as I do love reading them!

#Bbloggerssecretsanta

So recently I took part in a #bbloggerssecretsanta and sent mine off just before christmas to Sarah from Blinkered Barbie. Unfortunately the Post Office must of been very busy as my package didn't arrive until New Years! Even though it arrived late I was still very excited to open my present!

The lovely Nic sent me a little card as-well which I still have sitting on my shelf as we head towards the end of January. I finally unwrapped my mystery box to find an Accessorize Fragrance Set, I had never heard of this set so I was very excited to try it out! Especially as It came from one of my favourite brands.

Inside the box I found two fragrances and a fuchsia coloured pouch to keep them safe. The scents were called "Joy" and "Spirit", you can either wear these fragrances separately or combine them to create a new smell called "Boho". I found that "Joy" was very fruity and fun whereas "Spirit" was a bit more musky and floral, but both were absolutely gorgeous especially when worn as "Boho". Most friends know that I despise long and complicated names for perfume, but I feel these were named perfectly!

A massive thank you goes out to Nic for my gorgeous present. I love it! You can see my #Bbloggerssecretsanta receiver's post here.

Did you take part in a Secret Santa this year? and what gift did you receive?

Leave me a comment down or below or find me on Twitter!

NYE Makeup Tutorial

For the first time in 18 years I am not going to be with my own family for New Years Eve, instead I am spending time with my boyfriends family for the celebrations. So I needed a sophisicated but casual makeup look, here is the makeup look I am wearing for New Years Eve:

First I moisturised my face using Dermalogica's Welcome Matte which protects your face from sun damage and doubles as an amazing primer! Over my pores I used 

Benefit's Porefessional to give my face that airbrushed look, MAC's Pro-Longwear in NC15 for foundation (applied using a Sam Chapman's Expert Face Brush) and due to very oily skin I used Collection 2000's Stay Matte with a Sam Chapman Powder Brush.

As I have very spot prone skin I used Collection 2000's Concealer in Light as this is the only concealer that hides my spots perfectly! I used Smooch's Sugar Rush to give my cheeks a light pink glow, and to highlight I used Topshop's Sunbeam.

On my eyelids I used an array of gold's and brown's from Urban Decay's NAKED Palette and Urban Decay's Eye Primer so my eyeshadow lasts longer. For the inner corners of my eyes and my brow bones I used Virgin as this will make your eyes appear bigger. As a base I used Sidecar on the inner half and Half Baked on the outer half and blended together to create a multi tonal effect. Around the crease area I used Smog and in the outer corner I used Dark Horse to make my eye look slightly smokey ( I reused Smog under the eye). On top I applied MUA Extreme Felt Eyeliner and for my lashes, Benefit's They're Real!. To prep my lips I used LUSH BubbleGum Lip Scrub and Soap and Glory's Smooch Operator so they were nice and smooth for application. Finally I used my new MAC Lipstick in Saigon Summer which is a lovely coral colour on my lips.

Here is the finished Look:

 and here are all the products I used:

I hope you enjoyed this Tutorial/ FOTD as much as I did!

What are you guys up to on New Years Eve?

Tell me down below in the comments or visit me on Twitter

Talk to you later,

AnnieMAC

xxx

The #RushBloggerMeet

Last week I was pleasantly surprised by an invite that popped up in my email for a bloggers meetup, being a big newbie in the world of both blogging and beauty I was instantly buzzing with excitement (more like screaming the house down) and rsvp'd straight away!

I headed down to London all dolled up, donning a bright red primark dress and some cute black heels ready for the evening event. Safe to say I wasn't expecting to get there 2 and a half hours early, for the heavens to open (turning my sophisticated evening look into more of a drowned rat) or my heels to cause me a pain similar to someone chopping off my toes, but the main thing was I made it. This was my first time traveling to London alone, so I was very nervous (probably looked like I has having a seizure to onlookers). So after helping myself to a cream cooler and Costa's free wifi, I still had an hour to kill, luckily the National Art Gallery was just down the road and my inner art student couldn't resist a visit!

Finally the time came for the meet-up to start, I was still a little early so I took full advantage of the free manicures before any queues started (My nails were painted with O.P.I's Big Apple Red) and had a little explore before the venue got packed with bloggers. The event was being held at the House of Rush in Piccadilly and was organised by top beauty bloggers, Becky (Lipgloss and Lashes) and Laura (Lauzzenger). I travelled upstairs to find dazzling chandeliers, trays of mouth watering nibbles, free bubbly and a range of treatments and products for us bloggers to try.

This was also where I met my first blogger friends Natalie (TheFashFeed) and Angelica (LoveFromAngelic), we quickly got chatting and realised that we all had a lot in common! We all headed upstairs to experience a mini "Oxygenator Facial", the machine pumps out  pure oxygen, which is  sprayed or 'air-brushed' over your skin giving you instant hydration, whilst also smoothing out any fine lines or wrinkles. I really enjoyed how this made my face appear hydrated, and fresh, whilst keeping my makeup in tact! This facial made me feel much more awake for the rest of the night.

I also managed to observe the Live Botox session where Dr. Gillian Carver applied a "Top-up" to the clients previous Botox instalment. I was taken aback by how quick and small the procedure was, as-well as how natural the finished product looked. For anyone interested in future Botox treatment I recommend looking into Epsom Skin Clinics.

I met so many lovely bloggers during the course of the night, here are their links and i thoughrly recommend you check them out: 

Olivia (BeautyfromtheFjord)

Angelica (LovefromAngelic)

Monica (MakeupandLondon)

Rachel (BeautyQueenUK)

Dani (SoManyLovelyThings)

Sophia (BeautyinmyMind)

Zoe (FaceValueBlog)

Tijan (TijanSerena)

Anna (AnnaNuttal)

Amanda (HoneyPopKisses)

Carima (Scrapbookofallsorts)

Selina (MissFashion1994)

Natalie (TheFashFeed)

Sheen (GoldenandSheen)

I also got a cute little goodiebag which contained:

A Catherine Colebrook Tote Bag

A Smooch Blusher
2 W7 Lipsticks
Some Magic Soap
A South Beach Discount Code
A Sample of Structure Paste

A massive thankyou to both Laura and Becky for organising this wonderful event and to Rush Hair and beauty for hosting.

P.S. If you guys want to have any treatments done at The House of Rush you can quoteBLOG20 for 20% off any Beauty Treatments and MICRO50 for 50% off Microderm Treatments.

But this expires on the 31st of October!

AnnieMAC

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Beauty Blogger Tag!

Hello! Since I got a few new followers and also started writing some more posts I thought it would be appropriate to introduce myself a little more with Beauty Blogger Tag! Even though I was not tagged by anyone I will still do it just because I like it. If you want to do this or have done this in the past - leave a link in the comments, I would love to read your answers!

1. Is your hair naturally curly or straight?

My hair is naturally wavy, unfortunately If I try to brush? Frizz.

2. What is your natural hair colour?

I've dyed my hair a lot but my hair was originally a light auburn.

3. Do you dye it yourself or go to a salon?

My mum works at a salon so I go there :)

4. How often do you wash your hair?

Every other day is enough for me. I have an oily scalp but I make sure to not wash my hair too often otherwise my oil glands would be confused and make my hair greasy enough to fry chips on.

5. Do you wear the same style every day or change it?

I like a change but I usually wear my hair naturally wavy with wispy bits of hair tied back with bobbi pins.

6. Do you do your own mani/pedi or go to a salon?

My mum is a beauty therapist/hairdresser so she normally does my nails, unless Im feeling extra creative with nail art.

7. How often to you change your nail polish?

I only paint my nails for special occasions, vacations or events. I normally have Gel nails which last about 2 weeks.

8. Do you polish your toes in the winter, too or just in the summer?

Only in the summer. I don't bare my legs after September so I don't bother painting my toes.

9. How long does it take to put on your makeup?

Usually around 30 minutes before school or if I'm in a huge rush I can take 15 minutes and be ready to go. If I'm going out for something more fancy I take about 50 minutes.

10. What do you do first? Face or eyes?

I make sure to do my face first, as sometimes I find it difficult to avoid my eye area when I'm trying to blend or apply my powder .

11. Do you "collect" makeup or just buy what you need when you need it?

Since I'm only 18 I can't buy everything I want and just mainly stick to something I need. I'm sure I will start collecting more once I have a regular job/income.

12. How often do you wear false eyelashes?

I only wear them for very formal events and shows (I'm a performer!).

13. Do you do a full face of makeup every day?

For school - yes. I just feel a ton better with makeup on.

14. Do you wear makeup when you are home alone (or with family)?

Never. Why would I want to clog my pores even more, especially if I don't need it.

15. Will you leave the house without makeup?

No! But I do minimise how much I put on depending on the weather and if my acne is acting up.

16. How many high end products do you have?

Only my Estee Lauder Eyeshadow Duo in "Raisins, NARS Sheer Glow Foundation in "Gobi" and NARS Blush in "Orgasm". Im on a student budget at the moment so I mainly own budget buy's.

17. How often do you wash your makeup brushes?

I try to deep clean them every week but I tend to get lazy with that.

18. Do you plan your OOTD every night or decide when you are getting dressed?

I plan my outfits every so often when I have the time.

19. How often do you change your handbag?

I don't usually. I have a few but when I buy a new one I tend to stick to it. 

20. What time do you get up & go to sleep?

On school days I wake up at 6:00am and go to sleep at 1am. On the weekend, since I'm a night owl for sure, I go to sleep at 3-4am and wake up at around 12pm if I don't have work.

21. How often & when do you workout?

I don't, apart from walking to college! Although Im about to start up dancing again by buying some Zumba DVD's.

22. Left-handed or Right-handed?

Right-handed.

23. How tall are you?

157cm or 5'2"

24. Do you speak a foreign language?

I speak English rather well. But I also speak basic French, Japanese, Russian, Spanish, Mandarin and Italian.

25. How many pets do you have?

Just a dog but we're expecting to add a cat to the family soon.

 26. How often are you on Blogger?

Every day!

27. Do you read the comments posted on blogs?

Yes! Every one!

28. Do you keep a list of products to try as you see other posts?

Yes. I like to research and if I need a particular item and see a post I will put it in my wishlist so I could remember to buy it when I have money.

29. How did you come up with your blog name?

I've been called Annie for as long as I can remember and I admit, the name has more ring to it then "Anna". My last name is MACfarlane and I really wanted to incorporate my full name into my blog name, and of course MAC is one of my favourite makeup brands!

30. What kind of camera do you use for photographs?

For now I use my phone's Samsung Galaxy 4's camera and it works pretty well in my opinion, aswell as my Canon 650D when I have the time.

31. How often do you clean your house? (Daily, weekly, other)

I try my best to do that weekly but it usually doesn't happen.

32. What is your favorite colour?

Red ♥

33. What is your favorite beauty/fashion magazine?

I do like a monthly "COMPANY" magazine.

34. Do you swear?

Yes.

35. What are you doing with the rest of your day?

It's already 10.30pm so I'm going to watch a film then sleep.

Hope you liked it

♥

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