Product Review: Max Factor Colour Elixir Lipstick in Ruby Tuesday

I'm not afraid to admit that advertising helps me decide, a few years ago I even wore that statement on a t-shirt! I love the colour of this lipstick in the advertisements, to the point where I had to pick myself up a tube and give it a whirl. I'm not regretful at all!
I have to admit that I was expecting a different formula though, Max Factor describes the lipstick and I quote: "The Elixir formula contains a 60% blend of skin emollients, conditioners and antioxidants including vitamin E, for a visible transformation in the look and feel of your lips in just 7-days. As you apply the Colour Elixir Lipstick, it actively moisturises and smoothes lips."
I found that despite that claim, it was really matte. Perhaps I wasn't loading the colour on as much as they'd like, but I don't like smearing it everywhere. I also didn't really find it especially moisturising. Don't get me wrong, it didn't feel dry, and it was quite comfortable, but it didn't feel like it was conditioning my lips as much as the claims made me expect it to.

One thing I did really like was the staying power, I ate, I drank, I barely needed a touch up! Even when I went to gym at the end of the day and took it off with my make up remover, it took some real work to get it all off.

The colour is a nice pink shade of red that matches my NC20/NW20 skin tone. I also found it brings out the Balayage in my hair.

Swatch on forearm in cloudy, natural light

Poor lighting, I know.

Incoming: Hervana by Benefit

Benefit by far make some of the best face powders and cheek colours out there, so imagine my glee when I spotted this coming out soon. A gorgeous ethereal pink toned cheek colour that's 'Enough to make an angel blush'. Lol.
Hervana is quite a good medium between some of Benefit's heavier pigmented powders, like Bella Bamba that can be a little too loaded for some girls and Sugarbomb which is rather subtle. The idea is to stick the brush in and swirl to then apply to your face, but I've found the provided brush to be of little use. Admittedly it's still better then brushes provided in their earlier powders but even then I'd recommend to use a fluffy blush brush instead. It's also not worth trying to use each colour individually! The four shades work together marvellously and have a subtle sculpting shimmer to the final colour, just enough to sculpt with no chance of looking like you dove into a pot of glitter.
I'd use it as a soft colour pick me up, much like Dandelion as it takes quite a lot of product to produce a depth that's noticeable on your skin, so def recommended for the girls who want just a hint so their cheeks aren't bare.

Do you have a favourite Benefit powder? Tell me about it in the Comments!

Loving this week: Napoleon Perdis Double Agent Rouge Lip Palette

Brilliant concept! Napoleon Perdis has come up with a lip palette with a Semi Matte lipstick next to a setting powder for long lasting wear. It comes in a gorgeous shade of red is a cute little vintage inspired compact, with two brushes for application.
The colour goes on sheer but can be built up with a few layers for something a bit more punchy, then you pat the powder on to set. I'd recommend sitting down with some of the counter girls to see how it works and to see if the colour will suit.

The only issue I can think of is that it only comes in one colour! It may just be a case of testing the waters to see what customer reaction would be, but I think it's a good idea, a little gimmicky at first glance but it does the job to boot. I can't help but wonder what direction this will go in now?

Bought! ASOS haul

It's not so often that I spend a few hundred bucks on an online order and find every item I've bought to be amazing and perfect, but this was one of those times. I took some risks on what I was buying, a shift dress, on this frame, (size 12-14 with boobs, butt and a tiny waist)? I'm so so so chuffed with how amazing it looks!
I think the trick to finding a shift that will suit a curvier and bigger shape is to find one with appropriate darts. If you pick up a dress and the only darts it features are the onse on the sides of the bust, put it back, you need something that has darts that travel up the front of the garment somehow too. it is also imperative that you choose the size of your largest er, asset. For me, my bust is 12, and my hip is 14. BUY THE 14!

I also picked up a jewellery box that I've mentioned in a previous gift guide I posted last year, had to get one for myself. perfect for brooches and rings.

Oof, this next item is heeeeeavy! I didn't realize it had quite so much beaded fringing to it, so I'll have to take extra special care of it, it moves beautifully. A nice moody piece that'll take out at night.

All items featured available from ASOS.com

What bargains have you guys found in the sales? Tell me about them in the comments!

Bought! Stornas Table by Ikea

Yes, I have been bitten by the Ikea nesting bug much to my Fight Club loving boyfriend's disappointment. But at least I now have a solid timber dining table that I have wanted for months! The kitties approve of it too. I'm currently typing with Mischa curled up on a bundle of fabric next to me and since it has been assembled I can frequently find either one or the other sleeping atop it.

Sleepy Cat is Sleepy.

What drew me to this table was the idea that it is extendible, the smaller length fits nicely against the vast empty wall in my kitchen, but when I have more then one couple over I could fit 6+ people at it, (The + is more for high-chairs, I don't think I could really get more then six adults here). The solid pine wood is heavy and durable, a veneer just wouldn't cut it, with this finish I can strip it, paint it, stain it, whatever my heart desires over the years, and you wont get that nasty peel back that you get with veneers after some mishandling.
Being from Ikea, I had little luck finding a second hand table from markets, eBay and stores that suited my budget and tastes. With four matching Kaustby chairs the total came to still under $500.