Mac Foundation Review

So this is what my face looked like before and after applying Mac's 'Studio Fix Fluid'. Please excuse the shoddy blusher...I resemble a clown I know!

My skin is phenomenally dry in the winter and I was dubious when I first applied this because I was worried it might make my skin even dryer. However, I have found that since using it along with my Clinique SPF25 moisturiser, it has gone on much better. Previously I had been using a different (less thick, but still really good) Clinique moisturiser and found that the dry areas of my face were quite flakey. I always apply moisturiser and Clarins Beauty Flash Balm and then foundation for anyone wondering whether or not I used a primer. I would recommend this foundation to anyone really, as it goes on really well and it generally covers any blemishes I want it to cover (which is always good). I find it has a slightly matte finish so it would be great for anyone with quite oily skin?

Anyone else use this?

-Grace-

Mojito Cakes!

One thing I love to do, is bake. I could bake all day everyday and I am enjoying experimenting with different recipes more and more.

This little beauty is a Mojito cake I made and I must admit they tasted lovely. I've only recently started to like lemony things or citrus flavours in general, so it came as a surprise to me that I actually liked them! I was making them for my Mum, so I wasn't expecting to eat one at all! The  sponge was actually better when the cake was a day or two old, as it gained not only more moisture but more flavour too. So I think to anyone thinking of making them, bare that in mind- better a day or two old. I think they're a must-make cake on anyone's list if you were perhaps looking for something new and I'm even sure you could replace the rum with something else if you wanted to (although it is only a small amount of rum). 

Below is the recipe I used- Courtesy of Hummingbird Cake Days

Sponge

 100ml White Rum

170g Caster Sugar

40g Unsalted Butter (softened)

120g Plain Flour

1/4 Tsp Salt

1 1/2 Tsp Baking Powder

1 Tsp Finely Grated Lemon Zest

1 Tsp Finely Grated Lime Zest

1 Tbsp Chopped Mint

1 Large Egg

120ml Whole Milk

1/2 Tsp Vanilla Essence

Frosting

80g Unsalted Butter (softened)

250g Icing Sugar

1/4 Tsp Finely Grated Lemon Zest

1/4 Tsp Finely Grated Lime Zest

4Tsp whole Milk

4 Tsp White Rum

1 Tbsp Caster Sugar

1 Tsp Grated Lime Zest or Finely Chopped Mint to Decorate

Hope you all enjoy!

-Grace-

First blog post: Products I'm loving at the moment.

Top: Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette

L-R: Dior Palette, Clinique 'Dramatically different moisturising lotion', Clarins Beauty Flash Balm

Urban Decay Naked 2

This palette is honestly amazing. I have never been a big eyeshadow user but decided to purchase this from Debenhams (£36) after hearing so many good things about it. As I have just said the palette retails at £36, but I got it for £1 because I hadn't realised how many beauty club points I had AND I had a Love2Shop voucher. Absolute steal I know...! Anyway, since getting this I've used it pretty much everyday. I love the neutral colours and the way you can you create all sorts of different looks for day or night. I particularly like 'verve' and 'YDK' and if you're thinking about purchasing this don't think, just buy! Worth every penny.

Dior Palette

Cheesy as this sounds, I have a lot of time for this palette. It comes with (what I would assume), is a brow highlighter, a gold/bronze eyeshadow, 2X lip glosses, a mirror and an eyeliner. This is another product I have been using almost everyday, the eyeshadows and eyeliner last all day and look really nice on. I don't know how much this retails at, as it was a gift, but it comes with everything you need and is definitely worth having a look for if you're gliding past a Dior counter one day!

Clinique Moisturiser

I have VERY dry skin and this moisturiser has been a god send in these winter times. I know how expensive the moisturiser alone is (roughly £30), but I can honestly say it is worth the price tag it comes with. Since using this product I've noticed a dramatic difference in my skin. It appears brighter and softer and if I could afford to part with the money, I would definitely get again. I would recommend using the moisturiser along with the cleanser and the toner too.

Clarins Beauty Flash Balm

First of all, I'm sure I'm not the only person who has a lot of time for this product. Flash balm is an after moisturiser primer and brightens and tightens your skin along the way. It can also be used as a face mask, but I've yet to try that out! This is yet another product I've been using everyday, because it really does do everything is says on the tube. I don't wear a very heavy foundation, not because my skin is anything to write home about, just because I don't like the feel of a heavy coverage foundation. However, it really holds what makeup I do wear, all day and leaves your skin feeling fresh and soft, even after a long day. I couldn't recommend Flash Balm enough, it comes at a pricey £28 for a single tube, but a little really does go a long way and this is something I will definitely be re-purchasing when it finally all gets used!

Thanks for reading my first post everyone. if it's a bit bit vague or you have any suggestions for me, please let me know! 

-Grace-