October Rate Or Hate

Wow it seems like absolutely ages since my last rate or hate! I literally cannot remember the last month when I posted a rate or hate it was that long ago, what can I say apart from there hasn't been anything in particular that I've been rating and hating *slaps self on the hand for being a naughty blogger*. But this month is different as there are two products that have stood out for me this month for both good and bad reasons so here are this months Rate or Hate...

Kiko Kiss Balm in 06 Blackberry and Benefit Bad Gal Lash

Rate -

Kiko is constantly making it way up in my list of favourite makeup brands, as with every product I try I am more and more impressed. The Kiko Kiss Balm is the perfect compromise between a lipstick and a lip balm as it moisturizes your lips and give just enough colour payoff to perfect the appearance of your lips. I always get compliments when I wear this and the best thing of all it's reasonably priced.

Hate - 

Benefits They're Real is my all time favourite mascara and for this reason I had high expectations for Benefit's Bad Gal Lash Mascara, sadly they were not met. In all honesty I was extremely disappointed with this mascara; the wand isn't particularly special, it made my lashes look clumpy and by the end of the day the mascara had transferred onto my eyelid and smudged beneath my eye, these are not things I'd expect from any mascara let alone one that costs £17.50.

What have you been rating or hating this month?

Eleanor xx

July Rate Or Hate

Occasionally I struggle to make my mind up when deciding on what products to feature in my monthly 'Rate Or Hate' posts. This is because sometimes it is just impossible to say that you either love or hate a product as a lot of the time they fall into the uncertain middle ground of 'like'. The two products I'm going to feature today both fall into that middle ground so instead of trying to class them as 'Rate or Hate' I thought I'd do a mini review of each product.

Nars Laguna Bronzer - £27

Nars' Laguna Bronzer is an incredibly hyped about product within the beauty blogging community but I'm not that in love with it. Don't get me wrong it's a gorgeous bronzer: just the right colour, a hint of shimmer but not glittery and makes my face look photo shopped. But in all honesty it doesn't blend that well, it isn't that pigmented and like all Nars products the packaging gets extremely dirty. If it was a bit cheaper then these imperfections may be forgivable but for £27 I'd really expect more.

Cocoa Brown Fake Tan By Marissa Carter - £6

This product is at the other end of the price spectrum so I expect that this product may not be perfect but I still don't like to think that I've wasted my money. While this isn't the best fake tan I've used it's still not bad for the price, in fact when it's washed off my skin is a gorgeous brown not orange. But a word of warning if you do not prepare your skin it will go patchy, it also stains your sheets and goes patchy as it starts to fade. That being said I'd probably buy it again because it's easy to apply, dries quickly and you can fix the faults with a bit of exfoliating and moisturizing.

Have you tried either of these products? 

Eleanor xx

June Rate Or Hate

So we are officially more than half way through the year, isn't that crazy? The beginning of my year was so great because of my trip to New York that everything since then has seemed a bit average but July is a new month and I'm going to do my best to make sure that the rest of my year will be as good as (if not better) than the start of my year. 

But to improve you must reflect on all aspects of your life including my favourite (and not so favourite) products so here is this months rate or hate -

Seventeen Stay Time Concealer and Bioderma Micellaire Solution

Rate -
Every time I run out of my trusty Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer I always struggle to replace it as my local Boots and Superdrugs are always out of stock, so this time I decided to try something new: the Seventeen Stay Time Concealer. I was all prepared for this concealer to be disappointing but I was pleasantly surprised! The Seventeen Stay Time Concealer is incredibly similar to the Collection Concealer, the only difference is that it is less drying, paler and a slightly lighter coverage so if you were disappointed by the Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer then maybe you should consider giving this a try!  

Hate - 
For over a year now I have been hearing about micellar waters and of course the 'holy grail' of micellar water: Bioderma, but in all honesty I'm not that impressed. Bioderma Crealine H2O Micellar Water is basically just a makeup remover, it's nothing particularly special and does as good a job as my makeup wipes. In fact my makeup wipes are a lot easier as I have to use at least four cotton pads and quite a bit of the micellar water. Sadly I think this is just another case of a good product being over hyped to the point where it seems like a rubbish product.

What are you rating and hating this month?

Eleanor xx

May Rate Or Hate

Looking back at May it hasn't been as bad as I thought it would be. With a month of exams that don't finish until the middle of the June, I was honestly dreading May but I have been pleasantly surprised. Of course not everything was great this month (I'm looking at you C2 maths exam) but I've formed great memories by making the most of every moment I've been able to spend with my friends in between exams. 

Not everything is perfect and this shows in this months rate or hate -

Maybelline Baby Lips and Eyelure Naturals No 015 Eyelashes 

Rate - 

In the past I've never been a fan of strip eyelashes, all I ever saw on the high street were thick fake lashes that made you look like an extra on TOWIE or beautiful fluttery eyelashes that looked great in the packaging but brushed against my eyebrow they were that long. But after seeing these beautifully re-branded Eyelure lashes in boots I decided once again to give strip lashes a chance. The No 015 eyelashes by Eyelure are the perfect eyelash, they thicken and lengthen the appearance of your lashes but without looking fake or unnatural. I'm no pro at applying false eyelashes either but these were so easy that I put them on perfectly first time saving a lot of time compared to my usual individual lashes. Will I be repurchasing them? Definitely!

Hate - 

I feel like a bit of a hypocrite having the Maybelline Baby Lips as this months hate as I vaguely remember including it as a rate sometime last year, but I can honestly say that my opinion of them has changed since then. Honestly, the Maybelline Baby Lips lip balms are nothing special, they don't particularly moisturize or hydrate my lips and since I started using them I haven't noticed a dramatic difference in the appearance of my lips. Looking back now I may have fallen under the pressure of the hype because truthfully cheap and cheerful Carmex does a better job at moisturizing my painfully dry lips.

I'd love to hear how your May been, did you rate it or hate it?

Eleanor xx

April Rate Or Hate

This is the first time in a while when I've actually been dreading the next month, but it's hard not to when you've got 7 exams coming up that don't end until mid June. For those of you in the same position as me, trust me when I say I feel your pain but hopefully this post will provide a bit of a welcome break from your revision instead of a means of procrastination.

This months rate or hate - 

Bare Minerals Ready Foundation and Mac Viva Glam Gaga 2

Rate -

Bare Minerals Original Foundation is my go to everyday foundation and has been for a couple of years now, but when I ran out a couple of months now and Debenhams didn't my colour I had a decision to make; do I buy the foundation in the wrong colour and try make it work or buy the pressed version. As you can see I bought the pressed version of my normal foundation (in the right colour) and I have been pleasantly surprised. There isn't a lot of difference between the original and the ready foundation apart from the ready foundation is a lot less messy and gives a slightly fuller coverage, which are only positives in my opinion!

Hate -

I bought this lipstick a couple of years ago now and at the time I really liked it but I haven't worn it in months because I have just gone off it. I don't think that Viva Glam Gaga 2 is a very flattering shade as it creates the appearance of foundation lips and makes me look ill. It isn't as bad if I wear a lipgloss over the top and it may suit a different skin tone but I do regret buying it. I guess on the plus side the money I paid for it goes to charity so it wasn't a total waste.

What have you been rating and hating this month?

Also don't forget to enter my £15 ASOS Gift Card giveaway here!

Nominate me for Best Teen Style Blogger in the Company Style Blogger Awards here!

Eleanor xx

March Rate Or Hate

It feels like it's been ages since I last wrote a favourites post but that's probably because it has been a few months. I'm sorry for slacking but I don't try that many new products each month so sometimes it's hard to find things that I've been loving and hating. But luckily this month I had no trouble deciding my favourites.

This months rate or hate...

Kardashian Kroma Honey Stick Lipgloss and Hask Argan Oil

Rate -
I spotted this small bottle of Hask Argan Oil when I was wandering around the Primark beauty section a couple of months ago. I'd never tried a hair oil before and decided to pick this up on a whim because it was so cheap and I'm really glad I did. I've heard lots of people complain that hair oils can make your hair greasy and way it down but I didn't find this at all with the Hask Argan Oil. It nourishes my spilt ends and leaves my hair feeling soft whether I use it on wet or dry hair, and I feel that it's definitely improved the condition of hair since I started using it. I bought it for £1.50 so it's a bargain compared to other hair oils on the market like Moroccan Oil and you only need a coin sized amount so it will last a very long time.

Hate -
I really dislike using the word 'Hate' to describe the product that I've haven't been loving but it rhymes so I will continue to use it despite the fact that I don't hate my Kardashian Kroma Lipgloss. The reason I don't love the Kardashian Kroma Honey Stick Lipgloss is purely because it smells so strongly of honey (hence the name Honey Stick Lipgloss) that it gives me a headache. The scent is so strong that my friends have told me that they can smell it when I'm wearing it, which I find a bit weird. Despite the smell it's a very nice lip gloss in a beautiful baby pink colour which would suit almost every skin tone, so if you can stand the smell then I'd really recommend it.  

I don't know whether any of you have noticed but I'm 5 followers away from 400 on bloglovin but I've decided that once I reach 400 on bloglovin I am going to do a giveaway to thank you for your support. I was thinking an ASOS voucher because they sell beauty and fashion and this is a beauty and fashion blog, what do you think?

Eleanor xx

January Rate Or Hate

It's nearly been a whole month of 2014 but I'm still writing 2013 every time I write the date! It appears that I'm stuck in the past, especially as in this post I'm talking about products I've been using for a while but lets just go with it...

 This months rate or hate -

Quick Fix Facials Anti-Blemish Mask and V05 Plump It Up Dry Backcomb Spray

Rate - 

When I bought this face mask I'd never heard of the brand Quick Fix Facials but I thought I'd give it a try as I was looking for a face mask. The Anti-Blemish Mud Mask is designed for oily and spot prone skin, something I have and it claims to help absorb and control oil production, draw out impurities and tighten pores and treat spots and prevent future blemishes. While it does absorb and control oils and tighten my pores it doesn't do anything to help or prevent my spots but I wasn't expecting it too as I haven't ever found a drugstore product that has!

I leave the mask on until it nearly disappears and then wash it off with some warm water, and it leaves me skin feeling very soft and clean. I'm not sure how many times I've used it so I can't confirm if it lasts for 10 facials but it's lasting me a very long time unlike the face masks from lush which have to kept in the fridge and used within 3 weeks. For just under £5 I'd recommend it if your looking for a budget face mask but don't expect it to work miracles with acne!

Hate - 

As with a lot of my 'Hates' I don't hate this product I just don't love it either and the V05 Dry Backcomb Spray is a prime example of that. This product is designed to give the same volume that you'd get if you backcombed your hair but without the damage that backcombing does. Sadly this product does nothing for my hair and leaves it flat as a pancake, so I end up having to backcomb it anyway. Sad times.

Have you tried any amazing or disappointing products this month?

Eleanor xx

All Time Favourites (So Far...)

So here we are 2014; congratulations you made it. 

I always find the beginning of the year a nice time to reminisce the past year and use it to build my future, learning from my mistakes whether that be to not wear blue eyeshaddow and red lipstick together or to not do enough exercise. Because of this last year I feel that I've really started to come into my own makeup wise, as I started to try new products and stick with my all time favourites. So I thought I'd share some of them with you...

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Palettes

In the past I've never really been that fussed with eyeshadows as I felt they were an unnecessary step to add into my already long morning routine, but that was before I invested in some good pigmented eyeshadows. The first time I actually bought some Urban Decay eyeshadows was for my sister last Christmas, I'd seen so many reviews of the Urban Decay Naked Palettes I decided to buy my sister the Naked 2 palette. Being the kind sister that she is, she let me use the palette and I was hooked. 

So when my parents went away for the weekend and asked me if I wanted anything as a present I begged them to get me the newly released Naked Basics Palette; I've used it every single day since. Then for Christmas I was lucky enough to be given the Naked 3 palette, and as you've probably guessed I've also used that every day since! Not only the Naked range but all of Urban Decay's Palettes have been incredibly hyped up online so you've probably heard about them millions of times before, so all I can say is that if you haven't tried them, please do, but beware you will never go back to drugstore eyeshadows ever again!

Real Techniques Brushes

When I heard a couple of years ago that Samantha Chapman, one half of YouTube duo Pixiwoo, was releasing a range of makeup brushes I was extremely excited. Pixiwoo are some of my favourite YouTubers and I instantly added their release date into my diary. I first bought the Core Collection and then went onto get the Starter Set. They are the softest brushes I own and I use the buffing brush, contour brush, deluxe crease brush and the base shadow brush every day. They wash incredibly well: drying quickly and holding their shape, I've also never had a problem with shedding unlike some of my more expensive brushes. They're also made of synthetic hair, are cruelty free and are easily available from either Boots or Superdrug,what more could you ask for?

Mac Lipsticks

Mac Lipsticks are the only high end lipsticks that I've tried but I've never felt the need to buy more expensive lipsticks when I've already found some that I like. You can buy perfectly good drugstore lipsticks but they do not have the range of finishes or colours that Mac have, and will probably not last as long either meaning that you have to re-apply more and therefore re-purchase more, making Mac lipsticks a good investment in my eyes. My favourite finishes are amplified and satin but there are finishes to suit everyone such as matte or creme sheen. At £15 they are double the price of your average drugstore lipstick but your not just paying for a name but a great product, plus when you've used up six you can do back to mac and get a free lipstick!

Simple Face Wipes

Lots of people will argue that face wipes are bad for your skin but I personally find they are the best way of taking off my makeup and then I cleanse properly afterwards. Simple's Face Wipes are by far my favourite as they do not irritate my skin unlike other face wipes I've used in the past, they're often on offer so I normally bulk buy them as I am constantly re-purchasing them, as I've used them on and off since I started wearing makeup. 

Stella Eau De Parfum

I don't often change my perfume as I like to keep one scent so when people smell it, it will remind them of me, and Stella is my scent. It's got the right balance of sweetness, floral scents and musk making it not over powering or offensive, which is the reason I think a lot of people like it as I often get compliments when I'm wearing it. It's very distinct and according to the perfume shop it has heart notes of peony, rose, mandarin orange and woodsy notes. Not that I know what half of those things smell like but together they make a very beautiful perfume.

Company Magazine

Before their revamp I'd not read Company Magazine as I thought it was just like every other fashion/beauty magazine out there but since the revamp it's become by far my favourite magazine. Company sticks to the things it does best: fashion but approaches it in a way that's never been done before, appreciating the things that the average girl is into like blogs and YouTube or the latest things in trend, not just in fashion but books, films, social media, you name it, Company are on it. I also love the texture of the paper that makes it stand out from your bog standard glossy magazine. Also earlier this year they featured a picture of my nail art, cool huh?

Of course as I try new things I will find new favourites, but I just wanted to mention one last favourite of mine this year: my blog. I started The Lipstick, The Girl And Her Wardrobe one year ago today and it has been one of the best things I've done in my life. It's helped me become more confident in myself knowing people want to hear what I have to say. It's strange having people in sixth form coming up to me saying that they've read my blog and they think it really good, as when I started it I was conscious of what people would say when they found out but everyone has been supportive and interested. I've still got a long way to go and there are so many things I want to improve this year but I wouldn't have got this far without you reading my blog, so thank you. 

Hope you have a good New Year and 2014 brings you everything you desire.

Eleanor xx