REVIEWSDAY: Urban Decay Mascara Resurrection

Urban Decay’s 2015 releases are looking pretty exciting all round. As you might have realised from my serious inability to shut up about their eyeshadows, I’m a huge fan of the brand, and scurried off to investigate the new launch as soon as I heard about it. It comprises a powder foundation, a concealer, a new collection of Moondust eyeshadows (YES), some beautiful lipsticks and something called Mascara Resurrection.

Slightly creepy name aside, this is the first product of its kind I’ve ever seen, and it’s also the cheapest product in the new range at £10, so I snapped it right up.

THANK GOD IT'S FAVOURITES: ASOS Double Compartment Cross Body

HOW PRETTY IS THIS BAG?! If you are super-observant you may recognise it from my Polyvore post, which in theory was a virtual-shopping post but then obviously I ended up buying this because a) I have no self-restraint, and b) look at it.

I couldn't decide for ages what to do my favourites post on this week, because I keep accidentally reviewing things I then grow to love, without really having enough to say about them to write about twice. Anyway, as a result of that I was thinking about things I love in general at the moment, and this is the standout winner. I haven't used another bag since I got it because it is that good. And pretty. Mainly pretty.

HAUL DRESSED UP: Birthday Presents!

So, a couple of weeks ago IT WAS MY BIRTHDAY. I am now old.

To soothe the pain of the passing of time, or whatever, my nearest and dearest blessed me with LOVELY and EXCITING PRESENTS. Now that I’ve finally stopped mourning my lost youth, I’m going to tell you about some of them.

REVIEWSDAY: Bourjois Happy Light Luminous Serum Primer

One day I will come up with a totally original product photo concept but today is not the day. Really you're lucky that I never got round to buying cherries for my MAC Cherry lipliner review.

I really do think the candles are quite fitting for this though just because in a strange kind of way I feel about this primer in a similar way I do about candles. Essentially it is really, really lovely, but as a luxury rather than a definite necessity.

THANK GOD IT'S FAVOURITES: Ginvera Green Tea Whitening Marvel Gel

See what I did with the picture there? I am hilarious.

This is a bit of a weird favourite this week, because I totally adore this product, but I also don’t really use it for its intended purpose. Confused? Sorry.

I stumbled across Ginvera Green Tea Whitening Marvel Gel (what a mouthful) years and years ago, sort of wanted it, couldn’t afford it at the time, and promptly forgot about it. Then, about 18 months ago, I got a sample of it in a Glossybox and almost died of excitement.

EVERYDAY FACE: POPPY

First things first: 100th post! *happy dance!* SO exciting :) I can't actually believe we made it (although Noll may have something to say about that) but we did so well done us and thank you all for reading!

Now that that's out of the way... I realised recently I have been using basically the same products pretty much all over my face (there is one exception since the beginning of this week but I'll get onto that later) for a few months now and that is pretty special. I tend to never be happy with my make-up but I have actually got a pretty good routine going right now and that needs to be celebrated. And recorded for posterity.

REVIEWSDAY Maybelline Dream Flawless Nude Fluid-Touch Foundation

Everyone loves a new kind of product, right? Fluid foundations have been pottering around for a little while now, and I was super excited to finally try one out. The idea behind them is a much finer liquid than a normal foundation that still offers the same amount of coverage. A few high-end brands have had these for quite a long time, but in the last few months they’ve finally reached the high street (i.e. within my product-testing budget).  

Maybelline’s Dream Flawless Nude is £8.99 from Boots and available in the UK in seven shades (I think it’s twelve in the US). I’ve got the palest shade, Ivory.

HOT FOR TEACHER: Dark Brown Smoky Eye

Smoky eyes have been a key part of my makeup arsenal since I was about fourteen – I picked up my first Urban Decay palette and never looked back – and normally I like to go all in with them, with lots of contrast, nice crease definition and eyeliner as far as the eye (ha) can see.

Sometimes, though, it feels nice to step away from the Kim Kardashian school of smoky eyes (for kids who wanna learn to do other stuff good too) and into the more low-key Mila Kunis-esque end of the spectrum. This look is a little more versatile, too, as it can be dressed up or down more easily and works for almost any occasion and with almost any other makeup, especially if you’re a fan of bolder lips.

THANK GOD IT'S FAVOURITES: M.A.C. Matte Lipstick in Russian Red

Welcome to part two of this week's M.A.C. loving (see part one here!), which now brings me to the Russian Red lipstick. Or as it is also known, the best damn red lipstick ever. (Don't even try to convince me about Ruby Woo, the shade is just not quite as good).

Until Christmas, I did not own a M.A.C. lipstick, which as a self-confessed lip product obsessive, is faintly ridiculous. Noll very kindly rectified this and bought me this lipstick, and it was the best present ever.

REVIEWSDAY: M.A.C. Lipliner in Cherry

As you may have heard, because I have mentioned it on the blog whenever possible, my beautiful and amazing co-author Noll bought me M.A.C. Russian Red matte lipstick for Christmas. This is my first ever M.A.C. lipstick and I love it (ooh I wonder what my favourites post on Saturday will be...?) and everyone ever who has recommended it on the internet is SO right. I have been seriously enjoying using it for the past month or so, but have also noticed that even though it is amazing by itself (it really doesn't budge), lots of people pair it with M.A.C. Lipliner in Cherry. Given that my lipstick application skill is mediocre at best, and intrigued to see what exactly lipliner has done for people after the 90s, I thought perhaps now was the right time to try one and see what all the fuss is about. I think I get it now.

THREEWAY(S) WITH: Topshop Silver Monk Shoes

3 ways with Topshop Silver Monk Shoes by savingxfaces on polyvore.com

It's time for another Three Way(s) with...! This time it is centred around these silver monk shoes, which I bought slightly over-excitedly in the Christmas sales but have been struggling to style a little bit. I have a new rule this year that I have to wear everything I buy (I realise that sounds obvious but you would be surprised) or else get rid of it in an attempt to halt, or at least slow, the expansion of my wardrobe.

I hopped along to my trusty Polyvore again to do some lovely virtual shopping. Although this means I have an unlimited budget and can assume that everything fits absolutely perfectly and suits me, which therefore bears no resemblance to the reality of shopping (for me anyway), I still find it super helpful to inspire me with my own wardrobe, so I hope you do too!

THANK GOD IT'S FAVOURITES: No7 Perfect Light Powder

Are you sitting comfortably? Then I’ll begin.

Once upon a time, I didn’t go anywhere near powder at all. Then, when I was about sixteen, I tried a little, liked it, and then went a bit far and ended up looking like I’d been dusted with icing sugar. Feeling betrayed, I vowed never to let it darken my doorway again.

However, I’m pretty fickle really, and once I discovered the joys of setting other makeup with powder I renounced my vow without a second thought. The problem I’ve always had, though, is that my skin is super sensitive and really tends towards dryness, so powder that doesn’t make that worse or show it up horribly is an elusive creature. A makeup unicorn, if you will.

BUT THEN, in came No7 Perfect Light Powder, gleaming in the sun, and everything changed.

REVIEWSDAY: Revlon Brow Fantasy

Brow products are a tricky thing, because there are a lot of different things to get right at once. I’m fickle with my brow products: at the moment I’m using Soap & Glory’s Archery, which lovely but a little too warm and red-toned in colour for me, and Benefit Speed Brow, which I really like and definitely recommend as a brow gel.

I’m still, though, worlds away from finding an all-in-one product that really floats my boat, and so for this Reviewsday (is it your favourite day of the week yet? Why on earth not?), I snapped up Revlon’s Brow Fantasy.

THANK GOD IT'S FAVOURITES: Missguided Layla Boots

In an exciting change from normal, this week I will be raving about shoes in my favourites post, rather than a beauty product, because honestly I just can't get enough of these. I first saw these Missguided Layla Boots on inthefrow a few months ago and I knew right away I had to have them, but it took until right up to Christmas for me to actually get my hands on them. Now I have them I will never let them go.

HOT FOR TEACHER: Coloured Mascara

A few weeks ago (perhaps months? I am still struggling with the new year), I wrote a post on coloured eyeliner, and because I’m super original, I thought I’d branch out and talk about coloured mascara as well.

I went for dark navy, because I’m not that brave – this one is the Rimmel Kate Rockin’ Curves mascara in Sapphire, but they also do a dark green or purple if you prefer. Barry M also make this one and this one, which come in slightly lighter colours if you want something a bit more vibrant.

WHAT'S IN MY BAG: Noll

You know the drill, guys – if there’s a new handbag, there’s a new blog post. I have fallen head over heels in love with this beauty – it’s from DuDu Bags (yes, I’ve heard all the jokes and I don’t care for any of them); their Lucille bag in Lilac.

I adore this bag. I would hold up a stereo outside its window. I would sing I Love You Baby to it over a tannoy. I would stand outside its door pretending to sing Christmas carols and holding up signs. It had me at hello.

ANYWAY. It’s a great bag – the perfect size for everyday use, with two main compartments (so I can separate beauty bits and proper, grown up things), a zip pocket in the middle and one on one side and two smaller pouch pockets on the other side. And it’s more beautiful than anything in the world. OK, I’ll shut up now.

REVIEWSDAY: Benefit Roller Lash Mascara

As you may have read on Friday's post (if not, why not?!), back in December we were lucky enough to be invited to an event with Elle UK and Benefit to hear about Benefit's brand new product, which was launched on Friday, Roller Lash Mascara. Although it is not in stores yet, they also very kindly sent us each a (full-size!) sample to test out before it is on general sale, so obviously we just had to review it for you guys! And since this is such an exciting review, we are going to do it as a joint post so you can see it on both of us and what we each think of it.

PREPARE TO LAUNCH: Benefit Roller Lash

Back in December, we got the MOST exciting email inviting us to a press launch by Benefit and Elle UK, all about an amazing new product that launches TODAY. We were sent the world’s most beautiful invitations and directed, a bit incongruously, to a big van in Marble Arch.

BLOG NEWS: This Blog It Is a-Changin

Fluffy jumper, long-sleeved crop top, navy fluffy cross-body - all ASOS. Skirt, Motel. Silver monk shoes, Topshop

Super exciting post for me today (I know I say that a lot but this really is) because I am going to be talking about some changes on the blog as we start the new year! Some of the very observant among you may have noticed that we now have an About Us section (plug plug plug) which you should totally check out if you haven't already. If you are then really, really observant you might also notice that it says that while Noll will be talking about beauty still, I am actually going to be focusing a bit more on fashion! 

REVIEWSDAY: Yes to Grapefruit Dark Circle Correcting Eye Cream

I have mentioned in a couple of previous posts about concealers that I am waging a long-running war against my under-eye circles, and that I will move heaven and earth to find a concealer that will sort them out. This time, though, I decided to try and treat the source of the problem ad hoc and start looking at correcting eye creams.

I’ve been using eye creams for a while, but not been too fussy about which – the ones I’ve used most have been Benefit It’s Potent and Balance Me Wonder, both of which I have in sample sizes from beauty boxes – so this might actually be the first eye cream I’ve ever gone out and bought, and it’s the Yes to Grapefruits Dark Circle Correcting Eye Cream.

It’s in the name, right?

HOT FOR TEACHER: First Date Makeup

I know it’s hard to believe, but once in a blue moon an actual human man takes it upon himself to ask me out (or I ask him, because I’m a strong independent woman, and all that). Today’s post is all about the look I would go for should this unlikely event actually occur.

This is a look I’d wear for a casual sort of date, lunch or brunch or any sort of daytime thing – for evening I’d maybe go a bit darker with the eyeshadow and add a liquid liner, but this one is very simple and easy, which I’m all about – in that kind of situation, you want to be having a nice time, and not worrying about whether your 18-shade smoky eye has smudged halfway down your face.

THANK GOD IT'S FAVOURITES: Herbal Essences Clearly Naked Dry Shampoo

I have been using the Tropical Batiste Dry Shampoo for years, and it will always hold a special place in my heart, but for day to day refreshing it has been completely usurped recently by this amazing dry shampoo from Herbal Essences. I bought it on a complete whim a few months ago and just bought my second can (it lasted forever!) so it seemed a pretty appropriate time to include it in my favourites. As a redhead, I have found it really difficult to find a dry shampoo I am completely happy with, but this stuff is honestly brilliant. 

DECK THE HAULS: Christmas Beauty Gifts

As the Christmas glow fades and everyone starts frantically trying to lose the cheese weight they put on over the holidays  - well, that might just be me – we can take solace in the time we’ve spent with our loved ones, and the spirit of the festive season that brings us all together.

And all the presents.

I was very, deliciously spoilt by my lovely family and friends, and because it’s not exactly a state secret that I’m kind of a fan of makeup (try not to faint with surprise), this took the form of lots of gorgeous beauty bits and bobs.

REVIEWSDAY: Indeed Labs Hydraluron Moisture Jelly

This is a very exciting review for me because I have wanted this moisturiser for SO LONG. But because of my excitement, I am also writing this review the day after buying it because I just couldn't wait any longer, so maybe think of this as more of a first impressions review than our normal incredibly well-researched and thorough reviews. Ahem.

THANK GOD IT'S FAVOURITES: Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser

So, we mentioned in our resolutions post yesterday that we were going to be more reliable bloggers this year, and in the spirit of that, here’s this week’s favourites post… two days late.

Er, sorry.

But I’ll make up for it, I swear, by telling you all you ever wanted to know about Liz Earle’s Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser. The name is a mouthful, but the product is just gorgeous.

SUPER NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE! We are both super excited for the new year because fresh start etc., so we thought we would let you know some of our new year resolutions, or rather our goals. I am not going to bother saying I will join the gym and go everyday because I won't, but we both just have some aims to be a little healthier in a realistic way, as well as some fun things too! When we first talked about doing this post, we realised that the first five things we said were exactly the same, so we are starting off with a joint section, and then some individual ones too!