Cream of the Crop

Over the Summer I truly became a cream convert, loving the dewy Cara D finish and multi-purpose functionality. But that doesn't have to stop now that it's autumn...

For cream blush beginners... You can't go wrong with Stila Convertible Color's - these blend in seamlessly with great colour payoff that lasts. I picked up their trio palette earlier in the year (review here), which was amazing value for money and well worth picking up. Also try out Benefit's Fine One One - a great all in one cream highlight and blush for both cheeks and lips in one simple swipe (read more about it, and other shimmer fav's, here).

On a budget? Why not give Topshop and Bourjois a go. Bloggers went mad for the Bourjois cream blushes and with good reason. I blend Shade 03 onto the apples of my cheeks using my fingertips, giving just the right amount of glow and colour and drying on like a powder. Topshop have a greater range of shades that won't break the bank, I recommened Head over Heels (swatches here). 

Luxury Purchase? I cannot fault Kevyn Aucoin Creamy Glow blush. I have the shade Liquifuschia, a bright burst of pink that translates into a rosy sheen if applied gently and can be built up for a stronger flush of colour. Again, I like to use this as a lip stain also. Perf.

Onto the eyes... I've only started to recently dabble in cream eyeshadows preferring a matte look, but with new releases from Bourjois and brightening cream shadows from Origins they're winning me over.  First off I tried and tested Maybelline 24hr Colour Tattoo's, it wasn't exactly love as they did tend to crease but the pigmentation was pretty awesome for a drugstore brand. I find using a good eyeshadow primer helps to rectify any crease issues. However, the new Bourjois 24hr cream to powder eye offerings are proving to be the pick of the bunch at the minute, but more about that later this week...

What's your favourite cream product or are you a devoted powder fan?

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They see me Haulin'...

Oops, I entered Boots armed with points coupons and this is what happened. Yet another Boot's binge, but I did earn £20 on my Boots card just from using the Boots Summer Coupons. Great stuff. 

I've never really done a haul type post, but they are one of my favourite posts to read, so do let me know if you would want to see more like this! 

I went a bit Bourjois mad picking up their Bronzing Primer, the much gabbed about Healthy Mix Foundation, as well as blogger fav Bourjois Cream Blush. I picked up the Shades 01 and 03 (I already own 04) and I can't wait to use them along the RT Expert Face Brush, which was long overdue in accompanying its RT brothers and sisters in my brush pot.  I'm a little bit wary of trying out the Bronzing Primer but it looks so lovely on Alix and Luce.

Rimmel also got a lot of love, especially their scandal eyes range which swatches so well. I picked up three shades including Bronze, Taupe, and Nude which will be beautiful along the waterline. I was also in need of a every day lip liner and the shade Eastend Snob is perfect for that, giving off that 'your lips but better' shade. 

Next up, L'Oreal Color Riche are up their with my top offerings for lippies, they glide on and are super pigmented, all without breaking the bank. To match my Rimmel lip liner I chose L'Oreal Color Riche in Freshly Rosy. I can see this becoming my staple everyday lipstick, it's so buttery and flattering on my paler skin tone. For a pout that packs a punch I also picked up the shade Magnetic Coral, a simply stunning and powerful shade of coral that's bang on for summer. But, perhaps maybe not the weather we're having...

Reviews will be coming soon, but do give me a shout if you want anything in particular reviewed from the bunch as I'm not sure whether or not to post about the Bourjois Cream Blush's as they are here, there, and everywhere.

What have you been coveting lately? And, yes I know how lame the title of this post is, but it makes me chuckle...

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Stila Convertible Color Trio in Warm

Stila Convertible Color Trio (Warm) £23

When I saw this pop up on the Space NK site, I knew it had to be mine. I absolutely adore the Stila Convertible Color Cream Blushes, they're versatile, pigmented, and flawless on the skin and so snatching up a trio for £23 in my eyes was an absolute steal. A single convertible color is £16 and so three for £23 is not to be missed, yes, there is slightly less product than a single but that's to be expected for the price. My one and only complaint is that as it is a trio it does not come in the gorgeous packaging the single convertible color's come in, which match the shade they hold. That aside, hands down my favourite purchase of the summer thus far.

There are two palettes you can pick up, one marked 'Cool' offering up cooler shades (obviously), and the other 'warm', which is the palette I opted for. The three shades that make up the warm palette are: (from l-r on picture above) Gerbera, Camillia, and Honeysuckle which is a limited edition shade and my favourite of the bunch. I'm shown wearing Gerbera in the snap above, which does not do this shade justice as it is a gorgeous milky peach that is a stunner on the skin this summer. I haven't braved Camillia yet, which is the most nude shade of the three and I'm betting will look subtle yet gorgeous on most skin tones. And, finally, my fav Honeysuckle which seems to me to be the cream blush equivalent of NARS Orgasm with its rosy pink flair sporting golden flecks to add its very own highlight.

Go on, pick one up before they sell out, you know you want to...

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The Spring Beauty Edit

Spring happens to be my favourite season, for one I'm an April baby, two it's a happy medium between too hot and too cold, and three has to be my spring time make-up stash...

Spring time marks the transition from autumnal plums to perky pastel shades, and I'm particularly loving the new scented pastel collection from Models Own. I spent a good ten minutes or so perusing the Models Own counter in boots just scratchin' n' sniffin' the array of scents and eventually picked up Apple Pie, another gorgeous mint green to add to my ever growing hoard of pastel greens, and Grape Juice, a pinky toned lilac shade. During the colder months I really don't pay that much attention to my dainty digits but come spring/summer my nail polish stash comes out to play and pastels such as Essie's Ballet Slippers brighten up my day.

Coral hues, peaches, and pinks dominate my blush and lipstick picks with MAC's Cut A Caper and Betty Bright finding their way to top of the class, finished off with a slick of Pink Shell, a beautiful peachy pink lipgloss from Artistry. Come spring I truly own the title of cream blush convert as I wave bye-bye to powders for a more dewy finish, and my top choice at present is Stila's cream blush in the shade Lilium. Since bringing this bad boy home I have fallen a little bit in love with this blush which blends in effortlessly to reveal a dusty rose shade which appeals to my fair skin tone, and can also be used on both your cheeks and lips. I must say I have become a bit addicted to Stila's cream blush offerings and hope to get my mitts on Gerbera next. Another affordable option are Topshop or Revlon Cream blushes, Head Over Heels by Topshop is a staple in my spring/summer stash (review here).

Bronze based shadows, champagnes and rustic amber hues are also top of my spring time picks for the eyes with a new favourite being in the form of Stila's Smudge Pot in Kitten, as well as an old time classic MAC's All That Glitter's which adds just the right amount of colour when swept over my lids.

What are your Spring time picks?

Not all the items displayed in the photo above have been mentioned but feel free to ask any questions in the comments or on twitter @ohlittlered 

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Coral Lovin': Head Over Heels Cream Blush

TopShop Cream Blush in 'Head Over Heels' 

The sun appears to be rearing its very welcome head and in turn my summer make up stash is finding its way to the front of my collection, and out from the dust ridden (joke!) depths. Whilst I was re-arranging my makeup ready for the sunnier months, I stumbled upon this old topshop gem that was yet to even be swatched, and I just had to try it out.

I'm a massive fan of the Topshop beauty range. It's bang on trend without having to make a dent in your bank account. This cream blush was only £6 and I can already see myself getting a lot of wear out of it this summer. I love the coral flush it brings to my cheeks and it can add a really subtle pop of colour, so don't be put off by the neon shade in pan form. I find it super easy to apply using my RT Stippling Brush and would advise using a little bit of product at a time to build up to how bright you want it to be. It's easy to blend and I find the staying power to be great for it's bargainous price tag, lasting up to four hours. 

I've been swapping my powder blushes for a lot of cream blushes recently and, for me, the dewy look has given me a much more healthy glow. Would you like to see a cream blush collection post? Have you tried any of the Topshop cream blushes?

p.s. did any of you spot Estee from Essie Button in the last picture? 

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