Beauty To The Max Christmas Giveaway Winner Announced!

First of all, sorry I'm so late in announcing the winner of my Christmas Giveaway.

I love Christmas, but it's just so ruddy stressful!

Would like to say thank you to everyone who entered, what a huge response, 

and the winner, chosen by random.org, was Entry Number 16....

JOAN HEADON

 Congratulations Joan! 
I've already contacted Joan, and sent out her giveaway prize, so she should receive it any day now, just in time for Christmas!

Commiserations if you missed out, but as a thank you to all my followers, I'm holding another giveaway!

You can win The MUA Immaculate Collection, that's a whopping 24 Eyeshadows, from brights to neutrals and mattes to pearl.

Just click here to enter.

Hope you all have a wonderful Crimbo :)

M x

200 Follower Giveaway - Win The MUA Immaculate Collection!

GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED. WINNER ANNOUNCED SOON.
NO MORE ENTRIES WILL BE COUNTED.


THANK YOU!

Yes, you! 

You gorgeous person!

I started my blog just over a month ago on the 27th of October, 
and I had absolutely no idea it would take off as much as it has.

Over 12,227 page views, 203 followers, and one extremely chuffed blogger later, I'm very happy to announce my 

'200 Follower Giveaway'.

I've had a fantastic blogging experience so far and would love to thank you all for putting up with my ramblings, so I want to share the love with a giveaway!

If you read my blog, you'll know I'm a huge fan of MUA, Make-Up Academy (See here).

If you've bought anything by the brand before, then I'm sure you can vouch for the surprisingly high quality. However as MUA is a brand exclusively sold in Superdrug, a drugstore in the UK, I know a lot of you won't have had the chance to try their make-up.

So what better way to introduce to you to the brand than The MUA Immaculate Collection, a palette containing a whopping 24 eyeshadows, ranging from Mattes, Pearls, Brights and Neutrals, it really is the only eyeshadow palette you'd ever need.

My photos really don't do the colour's justice, they are a lot more intense in real life, and the pigmentation is amazing, to see swatches of typical MUA Eyeshadows click here.

I love this palette so much, I even picked one up for myself, well it would have been rude not too!

So, don't worry, the 'prize' palette is unopened, brand new and still sealed.

Here's a closer look at the shades:

Again, not the best photo, but it gives you an idea of the shades included.

This palette combines the best of their shades, so if you've missed out on the famous Heaven + Earth Palette, then you won't be disappointed. 

And isn't the duo-chrome purple in the lower right corner gorgeous?

Now the boring bit.

The Rules:

Compulsory Entry:

- You need to be a follower on GFC.

- Leave your GFC name and email address.

Extra Entries:

- One extra entry if you "like" Beauty To The Max Blog on Facebook

- One exta entry by tweeting the following: @BeautyToTheMax is having an international giveaway! - Win The MUA Immaculate Collection! RT & follow instructions!

http://www.beauty-tothemax.com/2011/12/200-follower-giveaway-win-mua.html

- One extra entry if you link in your sidebar or blog about this Giveaway.

- Like my photo in Carmine's i-Pout Competition. 

Voting expired, all entries after 16/12/2011 will not be counted as an entry.

So that's a grand total of 5 possible entries!

To ensure fairness, I will use Random.org to generate an eligible winner.

The Giveaway is open Internationally and will close at 11.59pm GMT on Sunday the 8th of January 2012.

I will contact the winner within 48 hours, they then have until  the 11th of January to reply, if they do not reply before that date a new winner will be announced.

I will post on  the 12th of January, meaning you can kick off the New Year with a brand new look.

Good stuff!

M x

Vampy Look: MUA Eyeshadow Swatches

As promised here is a more detailed look at the MUA Eyeshadows I used to create my Vampy Look. 

From Left to Right: Pearl Shade 3, Pearl Shade 4, Pearl Shade 9, Pearl Shade 10.

I absolutely love MUA (Make-Up Academy), 

they are sold exclusively in Superdrug and Superdrug Online, and their prices start from £1. 

They have their normal range, where everything retails at £1, and their Pro-Line, including Eyeshadow Palettes, Primers, and Foundations, (though even then their most expensive item is only £8 for a 24 Colour Eyeshadow Palette, The Immaculate Collection).

So what can you really expect for only a quid, shoddy packaging, poor pigmentation?

Well, you'd be wrong, MUA Pearl Eyeshadows are quite possibly the most pigmented eyeshadow I've ever came across, 

the packaging is simple and you can even depot the eyeshadow's into a Z-Palette or similar.

They are extremely good value for money, see for yourself in the swatches below.

Left: Flash, Right: Natural Light

From Left to Right: Pearl Shade 3, Pearl Shade 4, Pearl Shade 9, Pearl Shade 10.

- Pearl Shade 3: An unbelievably pigmented silver, £1

- Pearl Shade 4: A shimmering pinky-lilac, £1

- Pearl Shade 9: A gorgeous bright purple with a blue duo-chrome, £1

- Pearl Shade 10: A deep black/blue with navy and purple shimmers, £1

The eyeshadow's are also densely packed for minimal fallout, and have an almost-creamy texture to them.

To create the smokey Midnight Purple eyes above: 

- I lined the eyes with MUA Contour Pen in Black, £1.50, then smudged with a blending brush. 

- I then applied Shade 10 all over my lids to the crease, and underneath the outer corner of the eye.

- Next I applied Shade 9 above the crease and in the outer corner.

- I added Shade 3 to the inner corner and brow bone.

- I finished with applying Shade 4 to the lower inner corner and the upper brow bone.

And here is the finished look, as seen in my Vampy FOTD. 

Hopefully I've shown that you don't need to compromise on quality, even if you have a bargain budget like me. 

I've picked up loads of MUA Eyeshadows and products, so I'll definitely have to give you a peek at my collection one day.

Also, Superdrug are offering 3 for 2 on all cosmetics at the moment and, by completing the Superdrug Reciept Survey, you get 25% off Superdrug's own brand, including MUA, making the eyeshadow's even better value at 75p each. 

Meaning if you're quick, you can get three MUA Eyeshadows for £1.50!

Have you tried MUA before? 

M x

This post is not sponsored or affiliated with MUA in any way. The product's were bought with my own money and opinions are my honest own.

FOTD: Vampy Look as Requested by ELF Winner Electric.Foetus

If the title and photo didn't give the clue away, 

then I have to announce the winner of my ELF Cream Eyeshadow Competition: Electric.Foetus, 

who requested a Vampy Look with dark purples and reds. Congratulations :)

You know I love a bit of Glamour, so I hope I've done Electic.Foetus justice.

Great choice! 

Electric.Foetus, if you could drop me an email, 

beautytothemax@hotmail.co.uk

with your address then I can send your prize straight out to you. 

(Please reply soon, or I may need to pick another winner).

I really liked Thrifty Girl Loves idea (Dita Von Teese) 

but I've spammed you with so many Similar Retro Looks before, 

and I didn't want you to get sick of me already.

Steph's Idea (Christmas Nails) was fab, 

though I'll probably wait until we are a little closer to Christmas. 

I have already done a Modern Vampire Look, so I tried to give a different twist to this Vampy look, 

less obvious than reds and black, but still classic and sultry.

Products used:

Base:

- 17 Photo Flawless Skin Primer

- Estee Lauder Double Wear in Ecro

   - Loreal Paris Infallible Foundation Matte Finish in Porcelain

- Collection 2000 Sheer Loose Powder in Translucent

- Soap & Glory Concealer in Light

Contouring:

- Benefit Blush Coralista

   - Loreal Paris True Match Blush in Innocent Flush

- MUA Pressed Powder in Shade 4

- Benefit Highbeam

Eyes:

- HD Brows Kit in Vamp

   - MUA Mascara Shade 1 Clear (Used as Brow Gel)

   - MUA Eyeshadow Primer

   - MUA Black Contour Pen

   - 17 Wild Metallic Cream Eyeshadow in Midnight Blue

   - MUA Single Eyeshadows, Pearl, Shades 3, 4, 9 and 10

   - Benefit They're Real Mascara

   - No7 Lash Adapt Mascara

Lips:

- NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Monte Carlo

- Rimmel Lipstick in Bordeaux 124

   - Rimmel 1000 Kisses Lip Liner in 021 Red Dynamite

Watch out for my MUA Eyeshadow Swatches Post, to get a detailed look at the eyeshadows used. 
If you missed out on this Competition there is still time to enter my Christmas Giveaway, bundle of prizes include Bourgois, Eyeko, MUA and Forever 21.

What do you think? Are you a fan of the Vampy Look?

M x

FOTD and a Cheeky Fringe

Yes, I have a full fringe!

However, it's nothing new, I've actually had it since before I started this blog.

I just don't like it very much and always wear it to the side, 

but it's growing out now so I thought I better get my use out of it while I still can.

Do you like it?

Today is quite a natural FOTD, rosy cheeks and subtle eyes. 

I left my hair in its natural curly state, then straightened and ruffled my fringe.

Products Used:
Base: 

- 17 Photo Flawless Skin Primer.
- Loreal Paris Infallible Foundation Matte Finish in Porcelain

- Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua in B20

- Collection 2000 Sheer Loose Powder

- Cream Blush from 17 All About Nude Palette L.E

Contouring, Cheeks and Lip:
- Benefit High Beam

- MUA Pressed Powder in Shade 4

- Benefit Bella Bamba Blush

- MAC Please Me Matte Lipstick

Eyes:
- MUA Heaven and Earth Palette.

- HD Brows Kit in Vamp
- MUA Mascara Shade 1 Clear (Used as Brow Gel)

- No7 Lash Adapt Mascara Black

So what do you make of my full fringe? Let it grow out, or give it a trim?

M x

Also, Don't forget to enter my Christmas Giveaway, bundle of prizes include Bourgois, Eyeko, MUA and Forever 21.

FOTD Drinks In Glasgow

Sorry about the weird expression, I took this photo just as I was about to head to Glasgow on Tuesday and as usual I was running late. 

I know I'm being a bit of a one-trick pony lately with my FOTD, but it is my go-to look for a night out. 

I promise though I will mix it up a little more, and I love your suggestions so keep'em coming.

Products used:

Base:

- 17 Photo Flawless Skin Primer

- Loreal Paris Infallible Foundation Matte Finish in Porcelain

- Collection 2000 Sheer Loose Powder in Translucent

- MUA Brush-On Concealor Pen

Contouring:

- Benefit Blush Coralista

- MUA Pressed Powder in Shade 4

- Benefit Highbeam

Eyes:

- HD Brows Kit in Vamp

- MUA Mascara Shade 1 Clear (Used as Brow Gel)

- Sleek I-Divine Palette in Storm

- No7 Lash Adapt Mascara

- Maybelline Eye Studio Gel Liner in Black

- Rimmel 1000 Kisses Lip Liner in 021 Red Dynamite

Lips:

- Rimmel 1000 Kisses Lip Liner in 021 Red Dynamite

- MUA Lipstick Shade 13

What looks would you like to see me do? Smokey-Eyes? Colour Blocking? 

Help me shake-up my make up and let me know in the comments below. 

If you liked Kayleigh from Addict For Dramatics Beauty's recent Guest Post on my blog, and would like to write a Guest Post to appear here, please email me beautytothemax@hotmail.co.uk

M x

Also, Don't forget to enter my Christmas Giveaway, bundle of prizes include Bourgois, Eyeko, MUA and Forever 21.

Superdrug BeautyCard Evening and Haul (Picture Heavy)

Thought I would share my Superdrug Haul with you (my first Haul, eeeek). 

I picked it all up at the Superdrug BeautyCard evening, where I also snagged a couple of freebies. 

When I arrived I was offered Sparkling Rose Wine or Orange Juice, and given a little box of Guylian Chocolates for attending.

I later managed to spill a whole glass of wine down me, making me look like I had been indulging in one too many free glasses of fizz. 

In my defence I was juggling a handbag, a basket, a wine glass and trying to browse at the same time, 

all of this + my clumsiness = a few pity looks and a very wet scarf.

There were also demonstrations and even more freebies in store, including a St Tropez Demo and Free Nivea Christmas Stockings when you spent over £6 on Nivea in store. Unfortunately I wasn't buying any Nivea products that day, but the very lovely (and extremely cute) Veronika gave me some cheeky freebies anyway 

(my first blogger perk!).

I'm really glad I went, not only to pick up some freebies and mingle but also as I picked up this massive haul!

(Sorry about the fluffy carpet my cat Cookie rubbed against everything before I could take a pic, and then sulked off into the backround, can you spot her?)

Superdrug are offering 3 for 2 on all cosmetics at the moment so I could resist splurging, and if that wasn't enough, by completing the Superdrug Reciept Survey, I also snagged 25% off Superdrug's own brand, and 10% off all other products.

Total Cost:

£60.87

Total Saved:

£30.77 

(plus £10.04 gained in points)

Here's a little more in depth view at what I bought.

Superdrug Tea Tree Range:

- 2 x Tea Tree Moisturiser, £2.99 or 2 for £3.99

- Tea Tree Facial Scrub, £2.99

- Tea Tree Peel Off Mask, £0.89

- Tea Tree Mud Mask, £0.89

Last month I bought the Tea Tree Moisturiser to try, I didn't used to use a Moisturiser as most clogged my skin and broke me out. 

However this moisturiser has left my skin silky smooth and blemish free, I love it so much, I went through a whole bottle (30ml) in a month. 

I decided to pick up some more products from the range, I already have the cleanser, so bought the face masks and facial scrub. 

I really like peely face masks, whether this one will do anything, I don't know, but for 89p, you can't go far wrong. 

I plan to give a review on this range very soon as it has, so far, cleared my face dramatically.

MUA, Make Up Academy:

- Blusher, Shade 5, a highly pigmented Coral Pink with gold specks, £1

- Lipstick, Shade 13, my favourite and the perfect red, featured here and here, will be part of my giveaway coming soon, £1

- Lipstick, Shade  3, a bright pink, will also be part of my giveway, £1

- Eyeshadow, Pearl Shade 12, a beautiful duochrome brown, will be part of my giveway, seen here, £1

- Eyeshadow Pearl Shade 8, an intense blue, £1

- Nail Polish, Shade 22, a dark plum purple, will also be won by one of my lucky followers, £1

Most of the people I speak to have never tried MUA or have never noticed it, and no wonder! 

It was shoved at the back of the store in a dark corner. I was really upset to see one of my favourite brand's stall was very untidy, unstocked and products and testers smashed to pieces. 

I had to ask a sales assistant to see if they're were anymore eyeshadows in stock 

(I was determined to get Shade 12 for my giveway, it's worth it), and the MUA Pro line is not available in store. 

If I was head of the MUA range, I'd be a bit peeved as it's not given a chance next to the other products in store.

Woah, Rainbow or what? 

Sorry for the washed out picture, the colours were playing havoc with my camera.

Sleek:

- Sleek I-Divine Eyeshadow Palette Original, £6.49

- Sleek I-Divine Eyeshadow Palette Sunset, £6.49

- Sleek Pout Paints from Left to Right, £4.99 each,

  - 153, Cloud 9

  - 162, Milkshake

  - 155, Lava

  - 157, Pin Up

  - 159, Port

  - 163, Peek a Bloo

Like I said before Superdrug were offering 3 for 2 on all cosmetics so I picked up 2 I-Divine Palettes (and got a free Barry M Silver Foil Nail Effect Polish), I've already fallen in love with my I-Divine Storm Palette and wanted to add to my collection. I've had my eye on the Pout Paints for so long, but at £4.99 each they aren't cheap. However I got 6 for the price of 4, and 25% off all my Sleek purchases (Who knew Sleek were classed as Superdrug own brand?), so I really couldn't stop myself, what a bargain!

I tried to justify it to myself, saying that by buying the Pout Paints I now have an interchangable lipstick wardrobe and can create all the colours and shades I desire, 

I need never buy a lipstick again! 

Okay, so maybe that's a bit too far, but we'll see. 

Extras:

- Barry M Nail Effects in 319 Foil, £3.99, but I got it free with my 2 I-Divine Palettes.

- Clairol ColourSeal Gloss, for Radiant Reds, £0.99, just a little something I got to fight the battle against constantly fading red hair.

Spot the Cats.

Babyliss:

- Babyliss Thermo-Ceramic Rollers, £26.99

Not a necessity as I already have naturally curly hair, as seen here, but it can be frizzy and unmanageable, and I really wanted something that would help me recreat soft Pin-Up curls, hopefully this will do the trick!

Phew! I know that's alot, but I am pretty chuffed with what I bought, buyer's regret hasn't set in yet. I got either 25% or 10% off everything, gained £10 worth of points back and got 2 lipsticks, 2 Pout Paints and a Nail Polish free in the 3 for 2 offer. And these are my freebies I received just for attending.

Freebies:

- Guylian Chocolates

- Nivea Refreshingly Soft Moisturising Cream 8ml x 2

- Nivea For Men Sensitive Moisturiser 15ml x 2 (One for the Boyf)

- Dove Nourishing Oil Care Conditioner 50ml

Not too shabby.

Sorry for such a long post, I hope it wasn't too dull. 

Did you attend your Superdrug BeautyCard Evening? 

If not, theres a cheeky code floating about, get £10 off when you spend £50 online using GIFTGUIDE11.

Now, I need your help! I write this blog for you, my lovely readers, 

so what would you like to see:

Mixing colours with Sleek Pout Paints?

A comparison of the Sleek Original, Sunset and Storm I-Divine Palettes?

How to use Heated Rollers and a Review of Babyliss Rollers?

A whole face with MUA?

A Review of Superdrugs Tea Tree Range?

My views on Barry M Foil Nail Effects?

Just let me know in the comments :)

Here's a pic of my cat, Cookie, being a complete poser and wanting attention while I was trying to photograph my haul. Now you can see why the carpet was so fluffy.

M x

This blog is not sponsored or associated with Superdrug, or any other brand. All opinions are my own and everything featured is bought with my own money.