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.

Glasgow Haul: Boots, No7, John Frieda, Soap and Glory Cosmetics, 17, Estee Lauder, LUSH and Primark

(I know the pictures on a slant, but I didn't have the heart to crop out my cat, Cookie).

Okay, I seriously need to stop spending, but what fun would that be to read?

I was visiting my lovely friend John (or J-Lo as he is most affectionately known) at his Uni Halls in Glasgow the other day and thought I might treat myself to a little Haul (any excuse eh?). 

Total Amount Spent:

£58.72

Total Amount Saved:

£76.76

Here's a more in depth look at what I've blown spent this month's Student Loan on:

 My Boot's Haul, I must have spent over an hour in the store, here's what I got while I was there:

 No7:
- No7 Illuminated Make-Up Mirror, Was £49.99, On Offer Right Now For £19.99, 
- No7 Concealer Brush, £8
- Free No7 Gift Set and Make-Up Pouch/Purse/Handbag, Worth £31, Free When You Spend Over £22
  Included in the Gift:
  - No7 Stay Perfect Eyeshadow in Starry Lights (Mini, A Light Golden Beige, Perfect all over Eyelid, or as a Highlighter)
  - No7 High Shine Lipgloss in Whisper (A Soft Light Pink with an Intense Gold Shimmer throughout)
  - No7 Exception Definition Mascara Black (Mini)
  - No7 Protect & Perfect Intense Day Hand Cream (Mini)
  - No7 Protect & Perfect Intense Beauty Serum (Mini)
  - No7 Glitter Eye Liner in Mojito (Mini, A Golden Ivy Green) 

Unlike other times I've been in Boots, I wasn't actually in spending just to get the free gift. This time, I happened to see the mirror on special offer, and as soon as I seen it I knew it would be perfect for me. 

Do you ever do your make-up, only to find as soon as you leave the house your foundation is actually 3 shades darker than your skin tone? Forgot to conceal a spot? Or feel like you've sprouted a monobrow, even after tweezing? 

I currently apply my make-up in my full length bedroom mirror, but unless I practically smoosh my face against it, I don't get a good enough close view of face. 

This mirror is double-sided, with one side magnifying, one normal and both sides with an illuminating mirror. 

Although I love it, and it really is a must-have, it shows every flaw, and some I didn't even know I had. I know this is what it's supposed to do, but Jebus, why didn't anyone tell me I was growing a rather fetching Unibrow?

The mirror is on offer at the moment, reduced from £49.99, to a more than reasonable £19.99, (and it plugs into a socket, so you don't need to fork out extra for batteries).

I also picked up a No7 Concealer Brush to apply my new Soap and Glory Kick Ass Concealer (see below), for £8. It is literally the softest brush I own, forget the cats, I think I could stroke this brush all day! 

And, as I had spent £27.99 I also qualified for the No7 Free Gift. The Gift comes in a scalloped 1920's style Prussian Blue Pouch, and the contents are as above. The Hand Cream has been great with the cold weather, as I'm ashamed to admit I didn't even own a Hand Cream, and the make-up will of course be put to good use. There was also a cheeky £5 off No7 Mascara Voucher inside, which will be perfect for when my treasured No7 Lash Adapt Mascara dries up.

The lovely lady at the counter also informed me that although Boots aren't running the £5 No7 Vouchers at the moment, they are giving out a randomized £5 Vouchers for Boots when you purchase anything, including £5 off Electricals. 

So she kindly advised me to pay for my non No7 products first, and I was lucky enough to recieve a £5 off Electrical Voucher, meaning I got a fiver off my No7 Illuminating Make-Up Mirror, making it only £14.99!

Amount Spent:

£22.99

Amount Saved:

£66

 17:
- 17 Magnetized Nail Polish in Blue, £5.99
- 17 Wild Metallic Cream Eyeshadow in Bronze, £3.99
- 17 Wild Metallic Cream Eyeshadow in Midnight Blue, £3.99 (Free on 3 for 2 offer)

You will have had to be living in an Amazonian Rainforest for the past year not to have heard of Magnetic Nail Polish, and even then I wouldn't be surprised if you passed a tribe painting their nails with this stuff! So, I finally caved in and bought 17's version, at £5.99 it's the cheapest version I've seen. 

Superdrug Brand Fashionista have a similar version called "The Saturday's Magnetism Nail Laquer", (funnily enough, fronted by The Saturday's), it's priced at £6, but you have to buy the Magnet separately for an extra £3!

As 17 currently is on 3 for 2 in Boots, I picked up two Wild Metallic Cream Eyeshadow's (Well, it would have been rude not to). 

I tried to pick two versatile colours, a neutral day colour (Wild Nude) and a dark night colour (Midnight Blue). As you can see from photo I had a little swatch and they are very blendable and quite pigmented, but I'd obviously need to wear them all day to give a better test. 

Amount Spent:

£9.98

Amount Saved:

£3.99

 Face:
- Soap & Glory Kick Ass Concealer in Light, £10
- Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation 10-Day Sample in Ecro, Free

You might have seen the Soap & Glory Kick Ass Concealer on my recent LUST LIST. Soap & Glory Cosmetics have only recently launched, and this type of product seemed unique to them. A Compact Concealer Kit with a Salmon skin tone colour for under-eye concealing and a more yellow tone to cover blemishes. Add to the kit a translucent setting powder, a puff applicater and a handy mirror and you've got everything you would ever need for hiding anything you really don't need.

While I was in Boots I also picked up a 10-Day Sample of Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation in Ecro. This foundation is much hyped in the Bloggisphere, who doesn't want their foundation to last that little bit longer? We'll see if this sample manages to tempt me into buying the full bottle. 

I was also Uhming and Ahing over the Estee Lauder Make-Up Artist Professional Colour Collection, worth £310, but can be purchased for £50 when buying an Estee Lauder Fragrance. 

I had my heart set on buying before I went in, but for some reason maybe hungover, I just wasn't too fussed for it when I saw it instore. I think it was because none of the fragrances appealed to me. You can't deny it's a great deal, but something just didn't click. If you have purchased the set, or have seen a review please let me know.

Amount Spent:

£10

John Frieda: 
All 3 for £10:
- John Frieda Radiant Red Colour Magnifying Shampoo, £5.39
- John Frieda Radiant Red Colour Magnifying Conditioner, £5.39
- John Frieda Frizz-Ease Hair Serum Extra Strength, £5.99

John Frieda Radiant Red is the only range I know specifically made for Red Hair, that is readily available on the High Street, for a reasonable price. It smells like Caramel, and I've used it religiously ever for the 2 years I've been Red. 

The 3 for £10 offer on the John Frieda range came at the perfect time as I was running low and at £5.39 each, you're also making a hefty saving. 

I picked up the Frizz-Ease Hair Serum Extra Strength to complete the deal, I wasn't sure what to choose as my third product, but I thought, why go for Normal Frizz-Ease Serum when you can have Extra Strength?

Amount Spent:

£10

Amount Saved:

£6.77

Now on to what I purchased in other Stores:

 LUSH: 
- Love Lettuce Face Mask, £5.50
- Pow Wow Lip Scrub, £4.75
- Cosmetic Warrior Face Mask, Generous Sample, Free

The Love Lettuce Mask was also on this week's LUST LIST, and I'm glad I managed to get it. While I was visiting my friend in Glasgow, we all went out for more than the human body can physically handle a few drinks, and because my skin is sadomasochistic it's deciding to punish me with bad skin for a whole week after. Hopefully this will reduce any spots that are itching to appear at the moment, and remove any dead skin. 

Love Lettuce (which actually doesn't contain any lettuce, not a trace!) is described as "an effective exfoliating face mask which gives normal to oily skin a softened, smooth and radiant glow". It will definitely be featured in FaceMask Friday, so you can expect a review soon.

While I was in Lush, my eye was caught by the Christmas limited edition Lip Scrub; Pow Wow. Pow Wow smells incredibly zesty and fresh and is made with popping candy, yes POPPING CANDY! 

It would have been a crime to leave this on the shelf, not only because it's Willy Wonka Wonderful, but because Winter is playing Havoc with my once soft lips. Not only does Pow Wow leave your lips smooth, it tastes amazing. You only need to dab your finger on the product and you have enough for your lips, meaning it will take years to hit the pan.

This was only my second ever trip to LUSH, and I've really been missing out. 

The staff are genuinely friendly, not at all in an overpowering way, and were even kind enough to give me a (very generous) sample of Cosmetic Warrior FaceMask. 

This sized sample, when used frugally, has enough product for at least four uses. 

And, unlike other stores which shall remain unnamed, are very happy to give you samples, and most of the time, will offer you them without even having to ask.

LUSH is fast becoming my favourite store, and I'm sure you can see why.

Amount Spent:

£10.25

Primark:
- 2 Pack of Hair Scarves, £2
- Silk Vintage Pattern Scarf, £2
- Leopard Wire Hair Tie, £1.50

A trip to Glasgow really wouldn't be complete without a trip to Primark (Edinburgh doesn't have a Primark yet, though hopefully by the end of the year, it will). 

I won't bore you with my other purchases (PJ's and the fluffiest dressing gown ever), but I thought you may like to see my new Hair Accessories. 

You know I love my vintage styles, these accessories are definitely not for the shy and retiring, hopefully they'll jazz up my dull winter layers.

Amount Spent:

£5.50

I hope you've enjoyed my bargainess haul, if you'd like to see a review/tutorial/FOTD with any of the products then just leave a comment below.

I managed to get two products from my LUST LIST and as Meatloaf says, 2 of out 3 4 ain't bad.

Have you tried anything I've bought? What have you been buying this week?

M x

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

This post is not sponsored or affiliated with any company. All products were purchased with my own money, and opinions are honest as always.

FaceMask Friday: Superdrug Tea Tree and Peppermint Mud Mask 89p

Sporting a Quiff that would make even Jedward Jealous.

I love a good FaceMask. Any product that will do all the work will I sit back and relax sounds good to me. 
And what better way to relax after the working week, and prep your face for partying?

The facemask I'm using this week is Superdrug's Tea Tree Mud Mask, the mask retails for 89p, and can be bought from most Superdrug stores.

First Impressions:
Even though its only a 10ml pack, you get a lot of product. 
I've decided to split the pack in two and use it twice, as one thin coat evenly applied will do the job just as well and cover your whole face, unless you have a giant moon face like Katherine, (Inside joke, I'm not just abusing random bloggers on flight of fancy).
The mask itself is a light pale green colour, with the recognisable Tea Tree smell. It applied very smoothly, with a refreshing, light and tingly feel. The mask did not sting my face at all, just cooled. As it dried it went a little stiff, but not so much that I couldn't comfortably move my face. As scientifically demonstrated below.

After:
I left the mask on for at least the directed 10 minutes, maybe more, by then it had dried and I gently washed it off with lukewarm water.My face was left feeling very fresh, thoroughly cleaned and oil free. The mask had not stripped my face uncomfortably, it was still very soft and gentle.

Superdrug Tea Tree and Peppermint Mud Mask say:
- Specifically formulated to deeply cleanse and purify pores, leaving skin feeling fresh and clean.


I say:
- A great and inexpensive mask for oily or spot-prone skin. 
- I did notice a reduction in the appearance of my pores and blackheads. 
- It was a treat to use and I think this would be amazing for when you are feeling hungover under the weather as it's refreshing and cooling. 
- It's only 89p, and would provide enough for 2 masks when used thinly. 
- Highly recommend :)

Have you used this Facemask? What Facemask's do you recommend?

M x 

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.

Superdrug Beauty Card Evening With Free Chocolate!

Tell the truth. It was the free chocolate that brought you here. I don't blame you one bit.

Just a quick and rather short notice post (sorry) to let you know Superdrug are hosting an exclusive Beautycard evening at 100 stores across the UK on Thursday November 3rd from 6pm. 
The first 100 Beautycard holders to arrive will receive a free box of chocolate and they will also be offering a free gift wrap service. On top of that you can also earn £5 of points when you spend £30 and £10 of points when you spend £50. 

If that wasn't enough for you, there will also be special events and offers in different stores including; fish pedicures, threading and St Tropez Beauty Demos. 
I'll be heading down to the Edinburgh event, and seeing if they have the new Immaculate Collection from MUA, £8, maybe some cheeky bits for a wee giveaway next week. (And picking up some choccies while I'm there, well, it would be rude not to).

You can view the participating Superdrug Stores here. Hopefully there's one near you but if not Superdrug.com are offering 3 for 2 on all cosmetics and free delivery at the moment.

This is not a sponsored post, or affilaited with Superdrug in anyway. 

The Beautycard evening caught my magpie eye, and I thought I'd pass it on to all you lovely people. 

Are you gonna go? Do you have a Superdrug Beauty Card?

M x


Oh, almost forgot, how was everyone's Halloween? Here is a little pic of me as a Zombie Bride, tutorial can be found here.