Review: M&S Autograph Mattifying Primer

Hello lovelies,

This primer was the very first that I tried, I've tried others, yet this is the one that I always end up coming back too. I feel like a very loyal Autograph primer user, currently I'm saving it to use on long days and evenings out because it's not that easy to pick up in France, but when I pop home next week, I'm definitely going to stock up.

The mattifying primer comes in a 15ml tube which is clear, so you can see in advance when you need to re-stock, there's nothing worse than finding first thing in the morning that you've come to the end of a product and don't have a backup - first world problems.

I pop this on in the morning or before a night out after I've moisturised. The formula is super light and it absorbs so quickly. There's none of that waiting around for 5 minutes whilst you wait for it to absorb, you can pop your makeup on almost instantly. It creates a smooth base for applying makeup and I notice my skin looks better - flawless, when I've used it.

I look for primers that are oil-free or help to regulate oil, as through the day I turn from glowy to an oily mess and the longer that I can go before needing to top up my makeup the better. This primer ticks the boxes, it's oil-free and helps to keep your skin shine-free. This is great for oily-combination skin as it contains a sebum regulating ingredient which helps to keep oil under control. 

It's definitely a product for those of us with oily-combination skins and a staple in my makeup bag.

Autograph Mattifying Primer is available online and in certain M&S stores for £12.00 (currently on 3 for 2, which covers hundreds of items).

Have you tried any items from the Autograph range?

Review: Rimmel Lasting Finish Matte by Kate Moss in 110

Hello lovelies,

You may have seen me pick this up in my recent haul and I'm going to surprise you all by saying it's the first Rimmel lipstick I've ever owned, and now I'm certain it won't be the last.  

I picked up 110 on offer from Asos and picked it based up on the swatches on the website, which in all honestly weren't very realistic but they were a good price and the matte promise appealed to me. Shade 110 is a lovely vibrant red-coral colour. In the bullet, it does appear more coral but when applied, it definitely has a red undertone. I think it's a nice alternative to a standard red lip and would suit a range of skin tones. At first, I wasn't too sure if it was a bit too bright for me but I've really warmed to it, and it really brightens up a dark outfit.

(I would have took a picture of it on my lips but I'm feeling a bit under the weather at the moment, so have just done a swatch for you.)

I won't go on too much about the packaging as you can see for yourself what it's like, I really like it. I believe it comes in the standard "Kate" casing but it's red to distinguish the matte range.

The lipstick has a very light scent to it, it doesn't smell like kiddies makeup and you don't notice it. I really like the formula of this, despite being matte, it isn't overly drying on the lips and doesn't cling to dry patches. I tend to pop a lip balm on underneath but I do that with the majority of the lipsticks that I wear. It lasts a good 3-4 hours before needing reapplication, I tested it out on a night out!

I'm just about to put an order in for a few more shades, there's a total of 5 shades so I may just treat myself to them all!  Asos currently has an offer on that runs until 9am tomorrow morning where they are £3.50 each instead of their normal £5.49 - bargain! 

Have you tried any other matte lipsticks? How do they compare?

Best of Beauty Advent Calenders

Hello lovelies,

I've heard much talk flying around this year about Beauty Advent Calenders and I decided that I'll cover the very best of the bunch. I know you're all thinking Christmas is ages away, right? Wrong, only 2 paydays left until the big day! Whether you're looking to treat yourself or a pre-Christmas present for a special somebody, these would fit the bill...

Ciaté Mini Mani Advent Calender - £42.00 (Exclusively available at Selfridges)

""Every girl's diary can now be filled with a daily dose of delectable mini nail treats, as behind each door lies a very colourful surprise. Gorgeously packaged with seventeen of Ciaté's bestselling mini Paint Pots, four mini Caviar blends, and three extremely special exclusive Paint Pot glitter shades you'll not find anywhere else, ever."

The Mini Mani Advent Calender for 2013 includes a generous 17 of Ciaté's best selling mini Paint Pots, 4 mini Caviar blends and three exclusive Paint Pot glitter shades that you'll never ever find anywhere else! At £42, it certainly isn't cheap but would make the perfect gift for nail art fans. Going on the reaction last year, I would purchase sooner rather than later as these sold out super quick.

Boots Beauty Advent Calender - 24 Days of Beauty Treats - £30.00 (available exclusively to Boots instore and online)

"Wake up every morning to a new beauty treat and fill the month of December with gorgeous gifts to pamper yourself from head to toe. Featuring brands such as; Soap & Glory, Nails Inc, Paco Rabanne, Juicy Couture, Rimmel, Mavala, Umberto Giannini and many more...."

Out of all the Beauty Calenders, this one excites me the most, it's a budget friendly option, yet still contains some great little surprises! You get 24 treats ranging from mini's to full sized from some top beauty brands worth over £65.00. There are plenty of spoiler posts online if you want to find out the exact contents but I think that ruins half the fun!

Selfridges Beauty Advent Calender - £84.00 (exclusive to Selfridges)

"Selfridges' exclusive bijoux Christmas advent calendar brings you the best in beauty. From Viktor & Rolf, Yves Saint Laurent, Kiehl's and Giorgio Armani to Lancôme and Maison Martin Margiela, you can discover a precious treat behind every door to make you dazzle, sparkle and shine this festive season."

This little beauty is a little pricey and unfortunately way out of my budget, however it does contain some really high-end beautiful products including fragrance, makeup and skincare from the likes of Lancome, YSL and Kiehl's . I definitely wouldn't be disappointed if I received this, it's a great way of trying out some luxurious products!

(Image of 2012 calender)

Word on the grapevine  You Beauty is set to release a calender for this year, but as of now, there has been no news of when or what the contents will be. If last years is anything to go by, I'm pretty sure it'll be fabulous. Last years cost £59.95 and was worth a whopping £210! If I hear anything, I will be sure to let you know, but keep your eyes peeled ladies!

Have any of these tickled your pickle? Do you still get Advent Calenders?